As hope of finding any more survivors dimmed, the official death toll after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked central Italy reached 290 on Aug. 29. The quake and over 300 aftershocks devastated the homes and lives of thousands of people in the early hours of the morning of Aug. 24.At least 400 peopl

Read the pope's first-ever message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

The new Vatican department focuses on "integral human development."

The Catholic Church's formal relationship with China broke off in 1951, but the Vatican secretary of state explains why that might be about to change.

The sorrow and pain is great. The stories of heroic deeds of rescuers and ordinary people are great, too.

The quake left at least 120 people dead, including many children, and obliterated mountain villages.

The pope is expected to reaffirm the vital contribution that different religions can make to peace in the 21st century.

After years of frosty relations between France and the Holy See, François Hollande speaks from his heart to a pope who much prefers this attitude

Bishop Kevin Farrell is known as a pastor “with the smell of the sheep.”

In choosing new cardinals, Francis has been guided by five criteria.