“Religious Freedom in the World 2018” found worsening conditions for religious freedom in 17 nations, citing attacks on Christians in India and Iraq.

"But he knows how to communicate, to express himself," the pope said.

Praying in a time of fear is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle. It goes against the grain of fear itself.

Prosecutors investigating a sexual abuse case against a Houston-area priest searched the offices Wednesday of the local archdiocese, which is led by the cardinal who is heading the Roman Catholic Church's response in the U.S. to sexual misconduct.

Such discussions must never become "a public controversy with attacks that end up calling into question the credibility of the church and her mission," the cardinal said.