Pope Francis has already attracted more than 40 million followers on Twitter, and he is quickly making a splash on Instagram as well.

Pope Francis, newly 81, will begin 2018 with a focus on Mary and on migrants and refugees.

In Europe, Christmas is being stripped of its true nature "in the name of a false respect for those who are not Christian."

The pope took particular aim at areas of global tension where President Donald Trump is playing a critical role.

Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on a clear, crisp Christmas day, Pope Francis spoke about the world's children before formally giving his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

“So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary,” Pope Francis said. “We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day.”