Many of the Little Brothers of Jesus, including Francis' choice to head Rome's seminary, are manual laborers, who strive simply to be a presence of friendship and solidarity with their co-workers and neighbors.

Cardinal Bo believes the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Holy See could “help build up Myanmar as a democracy and contribute to peace building in the country.”

Silent but defiant, Cardinal George Pell made his first court appearance in Australia on Wednesday.

When in Rome, the Gingriches will be able to oil the wheels of diplomacy at the United States’ ambassadorial residence, a spacious house with a large terrace overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens on Janiculum Hill.

Meteorologists say spring 2017 was Italy's third-driest in some 60 years. The drought has put Rome at risk for drastic water rationing, a measure being considered later this week by authorities.

Like the religious authorities of the Sanhedrin criticized by Jesus, some clergy are faithful only to themselves, "rich in devout reverence to the past," wrote Italian biblicist Father Giulio Cirignano.