Christian hope, as Pope Francis understands it, reminds us that a better and more just world is within our grasp.

The fall resulted “in a contusion to the right forearm, without any fracture,” but “the arm has been immobilized as a precautionary measure,” the Vatican stated.

The Cuban government announced that it would release hundreds of political prisoners, citing inspiration from Pope Francis' emphasis on mercy for prisoners during the Jubilee Year.

In several chapters of his new book "Hope: The Autobiography," Pope Francis directly addresses readers, looking back on his pontificate and urging all to keep the hope.

Biden, the nation's second Catholic president, spoke with the pontiff to name him a recipient of the award, the White House said.

Warning of “the increasingly concrete threat of a world war,” Pope Francis called for “the diplomacy of hope” in his address to the ambassadors of the 184 countries that have diplomatic relations with the Holy See.