Pope Francis lays out a vision of the church dedicated to society's poorest and most vulnerable.

International and national church aid officials lost contact with their local counterparts.

The German bishop is at the center of controversy over expenditures for his residence.

Reports of severe hardship in Middle East, Marxist and 'post-Communist' states.

"The church is a mother, and she must travel this path of mercy," the pope said.

Civilian Catholic chaplains, unable to perform religious duties at U.S. military bases during the first weekend of the federal government shutdown, were getting back on the job as the shutdown continued into its second week."We're now being told priests can return to work," said John S

Religious leaders gathered on Sept. 30 to denounce "political brinkmanship."

At Georgetown, four panelists analyzed the first months of Francis' papacy.

Recognizing that Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II have widespread reputations for holiness and that years of studying their lives and actions have proven their exceptional virtue, Pope Francis announced he would declare his two predecessors saints at a single ceremony April 27.The pope made the a

The advisory group of cardinals appointed by Pope Francis will become a regular Vatican council.