The United Nations reports that more than 50 percent of the world’s 21.3 million refugees are children.

One C9 cardinal told me recently, “Pope Francis truly believes in a collegial style of government; we see this clearly in our meetings."

On Monday the Jesuit delegates of GC 36 began the official four days of “murmurationes” (“murmurings”) designed to identify their next leader.

The church in the rest of the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere, will have greater representation in the next conclave.

Blase Cupich of Chicago, Kevin Farrell, formerly of Dallas, and Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis will receive a red hat.

The next synod “aims to accompany young people in their existential journey towards maturity," the Vatican said.

“Sport transcends the level of pure physicality and takes us into the arena of the spirit and even of mystery.”

"From the first moment, I felt the need to be here,” the pope said.

On the eve of the pope’s visit, Cardinal Pietro Parolin summarized Francis' message: “Don’t turn differences into sources of conflict, but of mutual enrichment.”

The General Congregation is the supreme governing body of the Jesuits, which is summoned on the death or resignation of a Superior General.