In a letter to the bishops of Chile, Pope Francis apologized for underestimating the seriousness of the sexual abuse crisis in the country following a recent investigation into allegations concerning Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno.Read More

Pope Francis told 550 priests he designated as "missionaries of mercy" that being merciful in the confessional helps penitents return to God without fear, even if they repeatedly stumble or slip.Read More

While millions of tourists throw a coin over their shoulder into Rome's Trevi Fountain hoping to return to Rome one day, the money scooped out of the fountain each week offers more concrete hope to the city's poor.Read More

The final words at Mass -- "Go in peace" -- are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others, Pope Francis said.Read More

"Not only did Pope Francis kiss Peter, he asked Peter to ride in the popemobile with him," Brenda Lombardi, Peter's mother, told Catholic News Service.Read More

The amazing adventures of Benedict of Poland, a Franciscan who accompanied a papal diplomat to Mongolia in 1245, were the centerpiece of an exhibit at the Polish Institute in Rome.Read More

On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the church's teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the pope's theological foundations.Read More

Mass isn't a paid arrangement for salvation but rather the commemoration of Christ's sacrifice of his life, given freely to all, Pope Francis said.Read More