In October, the pope will preside over a penitential celebration asking forgiveness for abuse, sins against migrants and the environment and sins against women and youth.

Catholicism may be in decline in the West, but in East Timor, thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the pope from the end of the world.

In Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis confronted discrimination against women and girls in society at large, but particularly in the Catholic Church, where positions of leadership and authority belong nearly entirely to men.

At the age of 87, Pope Francis will embark on an 11-day trip to Southeast Asia that will test both his physical health and the core messages of his pontificate, focusing on the poor, the environment and a Catholic Church at the margins.

'Churches are not to be touched!' Pope Francis said after Ukraine approved a law banning churches tied to Russia.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, has asked Pope Francis to visit Ukraine almost every time they’ve met for a private audience.

The unlikely duo of conservative businessman and Jesuit priest hope to bridge the divide in the church.

Despite financial reforms and cutting costs, the Vatican continues to struggle to generate enough revenues.