The future pope was hesitant about categorically banning contraception before the release of “Humanae Vitae,” documents and recordings show.

A life lived in the Gospel makes demands upon us. If it does not, we need to look again. Maybe we are not living such a life.

The Irish-born American cardinal and former bishop of Dallas, Tex., is considered a big hitter in the Vatican because of the many important responsibilities that Pope Francis has entrusted to him in recent years.

The shift of power away from the hierarchy of bishops "will break the neck of the church," the cardinal said.

“I want to live my mission as long as God allows me and that’s it,” Francis said when asked about his health by Brazilian bishops.

In his general audience, Pope Francis emphasized how following Jesus often means accepting that we don’t have total control over our lives, especially as we age.