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Prayer is more than just a physical, emotional or intellectual act; it is an inner desire to encounter God, Pope Francis said.

The coronavirus pandemic is a "favorable time to rediscover the need for prayer in our lives; let us open the doors of our hearts to the love of God our father, who will listen to us," Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis asked Christians to join their love for the church with a caring concern for civil society, particularly at this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Humanity has failed to take care of the earth and its inhabitants, sinning against God and his gift of creation, Pope Francis said.

The peace that is Christ’s gift to individuals and to humanity as a whole is not some superficial sense of calm but an active force of reconciliation...

In a dark and nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis blessed a fire, lit the Easter candle and called Christians to keep kindling sparks of hope...

With a small procession down the vast and empty central nave of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis began the first of a series of Holy Week liturgies celebrated without the presence of the faithful from the general public.

Defending life is not an abstract concept but a duty for all Christians and it means protecting the unborn, the poor, the sick, the unemployed and migrants, Pope Francis said.

In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he would give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi”...

Pope Francis entrusted to Jesus’ mother the suffering and anguish of millions of people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one’s life to better hear God and those who suffer silently and need help, Pope Francis said

Recognizing and repenting for one’s own sins and errors is difficult, but essential, Pope Francis said.

People who recognize and embrace their spiritual poverty will inherit the kingdom of God, not those who place their trust in the comforts of this world....

The beatitudes are a path to joy and true happiness mapped out by Jesus for all of humanity, Pope Francis said....

Showing hospitality makes a person a better human being and a better Christian and is an important part of promoting Christian unity....

By Pope Francis A true apostle is one who continues to be a courageous and joyful evangelizer even in the face of persecution and certain death,....

There always will be martyrs among Christians in the world, Pope Francis said. Martyrdom “is the sign that we are on Jesus’ path; it’s a blessing from the Lord that within the people of God there is someone who gives this witness of martyrdom,” he said Dec. 11 during his weekly general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, which was decorated with a large Christmas tree and Nativity scene.

Pope Francis scolded people who consider themselves practicing Christians, but who turn to fortune-telling, psychic readings and tarot cards.

Pope Francis led prayers for the people of Albania after the country was struck by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake. “I would like to send my greetings and my closeness to the dear people of Albania who have suffered so much in these days,” the pope said Nov. 27 before concluding his weekly general audience.

Calling migration “one of the principal moral issues” facing humanity today, Pope Francis thanked the government and people of Thailand for the way they’ve welcomed migrants and refugees, but he urged greater efforts to protect migrants and poor Thais from human trafficking.