Pope Francis, the first leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-respect-for-yemen-truce-accord-194830"> to visit the Arabian Peninsula</a>, will attend an interfaith meeting in the UAE on Monday as part of his outreach to Muslims.

The pope's highly publicised 48-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates will also include an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents.

The pontiff, who made history when he touched down in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night, said he came "as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together and to travel paths of peace together".

The pope is expected to raise the issue of Yemen, devastated by a war in which the UAE is a key player, with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

Yemen is home to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.&nbsp;

Open-air altar 
&nbsp; 
Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb — imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning — greeted the pope with an embrace on Sunday night as the pontiff arrived in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

The emirate's crown prince was also at the airport to greet the pontiff, who has made strengthening ties between Christianity and Islam a cornerstone of his papacy.

Hours before he flies back to Rome on Tuesday, the pope will lead a mass in a stadium in the capital, which local media say will be the largest public gathering ever in the UAE.

The UAE has dubbed 2019 it's "year of tolerance", but rights groups have criticised the country for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance including the UAE joined the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Rights groups, which have slammed the UAE over its intolerance of dissent, have also urged the pope to raise the issue of Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati activist serving a 10-year prison term.&nbsp;

Pope addresses Yemen war

Before heading to the Gulf on Sunday, Pope Francis urged warring parties in Yemen to respect a truce agreement and allow deliveries of food aid.

"The population is exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, but cannot access food depots," he said.

"The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God."

The pope and his host Sheikh Mohammed are also expected to discuss "terrorism" and violence.&nbsp;

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious tolerance and cultural diversity, is a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

The UAE has eight Catholic churches. Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four.

Qatar and Bahrain have one each, while ultra-conservative Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.

Muslims make up nearly four-fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 per cent of the population.

Pope Francis, the first leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics to visit the Arabian Peninsula, will attend an interfaith meeting in the UAE on Monday as part of his outreach to Muslims.

Pope Francis, the first leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics to visit the Arabian Peninsula, will attend an interfaith meeting in the UAE on Monday as part of his outreach to Muslims. The pope's highly publicised 48-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates will also include an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents. The pontiff, who made history when he touched down in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night, said he came "as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together and to travel paths of peace together". The pope is expected to raise the issue of Yemen, devastated by a war in which the UAE is a key player, with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. Yemen is home to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels. More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation. Open-air altar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb — imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning — greeted the pope with an embrace on Sunday night as the pontiff arrived in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The emirate's crown prince was also at the airport to greet the pontiff, who has made strengthening ties between Christianity and Islam a cornerstone of his papacy. Hours before he flies back to Rome on Tuesday, the pope will lead a mass in a stadium in the capital, which local media say will be the largest public gathering ever in the UAE. The UAE has dubbed 2019 it's "year of tolerance", but rights groups have criticised the country for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance including the UAE joined the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015. Rights groups, which have slammed the UAE over its intolerance of dissent, have also urged the pope to raise the issue of Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati activist serving a 10-year prison term. Pope addresses Yemen war Before heading to the Gulf on Sunday, Pope Francis urged warring parties in Yemen to respect a truce agreement and allow deliveries of food aid. "The population is exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, but cannot access food depots," he said. "The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God." The pope and his host Sheikh Mohammed are also expected to discuss "terrorism" and violence. The UAE, which prides itself on its religious tolerance and cultural diversity, is a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq. The UAE has eight Catholic churches. Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four. Qatar and Bahrain have one each, while ultra-conservative Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship. Muslims make up nearly four-fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 per cent of the population.

Pope Francis makes history with Muslim dialogue in UAE

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

"The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many, many children are suffering from hunger but they are not able to get to food deposits. The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St&nbsp;Peter's Square during his regular Sunday address.

"I appeal to all sides involved and to the international community to urgently press for respect of the agreements that have been reached, to guarantee the distribution of food, and work for the good of the population."

"There are children who are hungry, they are thirsty, they don't have medicine," he added.

The UAE has played a leading role in the Saudi-led military coalition waging a nearly four-year war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen in a conflict which has pushed the poorest country on the peninsula to the brink of famine.

Francis will become the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula and is due to make two public addresses.

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis. "The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many, many children are suffering from hunger but they are not able to get to food deposits. The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square during his regular Sunday address. "I appeal to all sides involved and to the international community to urgently press for respect of the agreements that have been reached, to guarantee the distribution of food, and work for the good of the population." "There are children who are hungry, they are thirsty, they don't have medicine," he added. The UAE has played a leading role in the Saudi-led military coalition waging a nearly four-year war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen in a conflict which has pushed the poorest country on the peninsula to the brink of famine. Francis will become the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula and is due to make two public addresses.

Pope Francis urges 'respect' for Yemen truce accord

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the twin bombings that killed at least 20 people during a Catholic Church service in the Philippines as a "terrorist attack" and prayed that God would convert the hearts of those who carried it out.

The attack also wounded 81 and was one of the deadliest in recent years in a region long plagued by instability.

Francis, speaking at a hospice for AIDS sufferers on the last day of his trip here, expressed his "firm condemnation of this act of violence that causes more mourning in the Christian community. I pray for the dead and the injured. May the Lord, prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but police suspect the bombings were the work of Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and is notorious for its bombings and brutality.

The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Jolo Island in Sulu Province, and was followed by a second blast outside, which was detonated as security forces raced to the scene, officials said.

The pope visited the Philippines, the most Catholic country in Asia, in 2015.

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the twin bombings that killed at least 20 people during a Catholic Church service in the Philippines as a "terrorist attack" and prayed that God would convert the hearts of those who carried it out.

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the twin bombings that killed at least 20 people during a Catholic Church service in the Philippines as a "terrorist attack" and prayed that God would convert the hearts of those who carried it out. The attack also wounded 81 and was one of the deadliest in recent years in a region long plagued by instability. Francis, speaking at a hospice for AIDS sufferers on the last day of his trip here, expressed his "firm condemnation of this act of violence that causes more mourning in the Christian community. I pray for the dead and the injured. May the Lord, prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones." There was no immediate claim of responsibility but police suspect the bombings were the work of Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and is notorious for its bombings and brutality. The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Jolo Island in Sulu Province, and was followed by a second blast outside, which was detonated as security forces raced to the scene, officials said. The pope visited the Philippines, the most Catholic country in Asia, in 2015.

Pope condemns bombing of Philippines cathedral that killed 20 as 'terrorist attack'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela military attache to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> to back Maduro opponent</a>

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin'</a>

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asia-bibis-lawyer-returns-to-pakistan-to-aid-in-appeal-193043">Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time'</a>

The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">PM Narendra Modi to address </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">nation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050"> in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday.&nbsp;

The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast&nbsp;on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">Banksy artwork </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">stolen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052"> from Bataclan music hall in Paris</a>

An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris.&nbsp;

The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.&nbsp;

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin' Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time' The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said. PM Narendra Modi to address nation in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday. The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am. Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan music hall in Paris An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris. The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama.

The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">sex abuse crisis</a>, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City.

After mass, scheduled for early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, the 82-year-old pope will meet young people living with AIDS and HIV at the Good Samaritan home in the city.

Francis will thank hundreds of World Youth Day volunteers at a stadium in the afternoon before a farewell ceremony and a flight back to Rome.

The pope acknowledged Saturday that the Church was "wounded by sin" in a homily addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

Church 'wounded by sin'&nbsp;

Celebrating mass at the landmark Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries."

At a lunch meeting with 10 young pilgrims, Francis said sex abuse by the clergy was "a horrible crime," according to one of the guests.

Later, at a massive vigil that the organizers said drew 600,000 pilgrims, the pope called on young people to reject the temptation to live their lives online and urged them to get involved in their communities.

Life was not "in the cloud, waiting to be downloaded, a new app to be discovered, or a technique of mental self-improvement," the pontiff said during his grandfatherly discourse.

The Argentine pope has used his encounter with young people in Central America to speak out repeatedly in defence of migrants and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women.

In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against migrants, the pope said at a giant prayer meeting on Saturday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society."

During that mass Francis consecrated a new altar at the restored basilica, rubbing it down with holy oil and blessing it in a solemn ceremony.

Installed in the altar were the relics of three Latin American saints, including Oscar Romero — the San Salvador archbishop murdered while giving mass by a far-right hit squad in El Salvador in 1980 — who was made a saint by Francis last year. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama. The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy sex abuse crisis, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City.

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama. The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy sex abuse crisis, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City. After mass, scheduled for early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, the 82-year-old pope will meet young people living with AIDS and HIV at the Good Samaritan home in the city. Francis will thank hundreds of World Youth Day volunteers at a stadium in the afternoon before a farewell ceremony and a flight back to Rome. The pope acknowledged Saturday that the Church was "wounded by sin" in a homily addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Church 'wounded by sin' Celebrating mass at the landmark Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries." At a lunch meeting with 10 young pilgrims, Francis said sex abuse by the clergy was "a horrible crime," according to one of the guests. Later, at a massive vigil that the organizers said drew 600,000 pilgrims, the pope called on young people to reject the temptation to live their lives online and urged them to get involved in their communities. Life was not "in the cloud, waiting to be downloaded, a new app to be discovered, or a technique of mental self-improvement," the pontiff said during his grandfatherly discourse. The Argentine pope has used his encounter with young people in Central America to speak out repeatedly in defence of migrants and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women. In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against migrants, the pope said at a giant prayer meeting on Saturday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society." During that mass Francis consecrated a new altar at the restored basilica, rubbing it down with holy oil and blessing it in a solemn ceremony. Installed in the altar were the relics of three Latin American saints, including Oscar Romero — the San Salvador archbishop murdered while giving mass by a far-right hit squad in El Salvador in 1980 — who was made a saint by Francis last year.

Pope winds up World Youth Day events in Panama with giant mass

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-predator-priests-who-sexually-abused-minors-to-turn-themselves-in-185719">wounded by sin</a>" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

In a mass that he officiated at the centuries-old Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries."

It was the Argentine pontiff's first reference to the sex abuse scandals rocking the Church since he arrived in Panama on Wednesday for a global gathering of young Catholics.

It came up again during a lunch Francis hosted with the Archbishop of Panama, Cardinal Jose Domingo Ulloa, for 10 young people of different nationalities attending World Youth Day, held every three years.

There, sitting over lunch at a white linen covered table, the pope referred to clerical sex abuse as "a horrible crime."

He was responding to a question from a young Mexican immigrant to the US, Brenda Berenice Noriega, about the crisis.

'Horrible crime'

"He called it a horrible crime," Noriega told a press conference after the lunch, a tradition at the global gatherings.

"The Holy Father reminded us that it is important to accompany the victims," she said, a youth minister in San Bernadino, California.

"For me as representative of the US and a minister of young people, it means a lot. It's to keep in mind that all the victims of the sexual crisis are heard, and that the Church is committed to supporting them," she said.&nbsp;

Francis has called senior bishops from around the world to Rome next month to deal with widespread clergy sex abuse of children and young people.

The Vatican has billed the February 21-24 meeting as a unique chance to provide bishops with "concrete measures" to tackle the "terrible plague" of sex abuse by the clergy.

Addressing white-robed young seminarians and priests during the mass, the pope said "a subtle weariness" had entered Church communities that "calls into question the energy resources and viability of our mission in this changing and challenging world."

Those changes, he said, "call into doubt the very viability of religious life in today's world."

But the notion that religious communities had nothing to contribute -- that the world "has no room for our message" -- would be "one of the worst heresies possible in our time."

Vast, festive crowd

A vast, festive crowd of young people, many waving the flags of their countries, gathered throughout Saturday afternoon at a park outside Panama to await the pope for a giant prayer vigil at nightfall.

The organizers said they expected around 200,000 people at the event.&nbsp;

Francis, 82, drew the largest crowd of his five-day visit on Friday evening at a solemn ceremony commemorating Christ's crucifixion in another Panama park.

In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against Central American migrants, the pope told hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society."

He has used his encounter with young people in Central America this week to speak out strongly in defence of migrants, and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women.

At the mass in the basilica -- home of the first diocese on the American mainland -- the pope's homily to seminarians about the challenges of the priesthood raised the problem of dwindling vocations around the world.

Around the globe, there were 414,969 Catholic priests at the end of 2016, more than 800 less than in 2014, according to the Vatican. There were nearly 700 fewer people joining the priesthood over the same period.

Francis himself acknowledged at a general audience in August that the scandals of abuse and cover-up by Church leaders have caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland.

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. In a mass that he officiated at the centuries-old Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries." It was the Argentine pontiff's first reference to the sex abuse scandals rocking the Church since he arrived in Panama on Wednesday for a global gathering of young Catholics. It came up again during a lunch Francis hosted with the Archbishop of Panama, Cardinal Jose Domingo Ulloa, for 10 young people of different nationalities attending World Youth Day, held every three years. There, sitting over lunch at a white linen covered table, the pope referred to clerical sex abuse as "a horrible crime." He was responding to a question from a young Mexican immigrant to the US, Brenda Berenice Noriega, about the crisis. 'Horrible crime' "He called it a horrible crime," Noriega told a press conference after the lunch, a tradition at the global gatherings. "The Holy Father reminded us that it is important to accompany the victims," she said, a youth minister in San Bernadino, California. "For me as representative of the US and a minister of young people, it means a lot. It's to keep in mind that all the victims of the sexual crisis are heard, and that the Church is committed to supporting them," she said. Francis has called senior bishops from around the world to Rome next month to deal with widespread clergy sex abuse of children and young people. The Vatican has billed the February 21-24 meeting as a unique chance to provide bishops with "concrete measures" to tackle the "terrible plague" of sex abuse by the clergy. Addressing white-robed young seminarians and priests during the mass, the pope said "a subtle weariness" had entered Church communities that "calls into question the energy resources and viability of our mission in this changing and challenging world." Those changes, he said, "call into doubt the very viability of religious life in today's world." But the notion that religious communities had nothing to contribute -- that the world "has no room for our message" -- would be "one of the worst heresies possible in our time." Vast, festive crowd A vast, festive crowd of young people, many waving the flags of their countries, gathered throughout Saturday afternoon at a park outside Panama to await the pope for a giant prayer vigil at nightfall. The organizers said they expected around 200,000 people at the event. Francis, 82, drew the largest crowd of his five-day visit on Friday evening at a solemn ceremony commemorating Christ's crucifixion in another Panama park. In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against Central American migrants, the pope told hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society." He has used his encounter with young people in Central America this week to speak out strongly in defence of migrants, and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women. At the mass in the basilica -- home of the first diocese on the American mainland -- the pope's homily to seminarians about the challenges of the priesthood raised the problem of dwindling vocations around the world. Around the globe, there were 414,969 Catholic priests at the end of 2016, more than 800 less than in 2014, according to the Vatican. There were nearly 700 fewer people joining the priesthood over the same period. Francis himself acknowledged at a general audience in August that the scandals of abuse and cover-up by Church leaders have caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland.

On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin'

Pope Francis said in Panama on Friday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant as a threat to society.

Francis was speaking after leading a solemn ceremony for hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims at the Catholic World Youth Day event.

He said the Church wanted to foster a culture "that welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates, that does not stigmatize, much less indulge in a senseless and irresponsible condemnation of every immigrant as a threat to society."

In a wide-ranging speech to round off a massive gathering of young people in a Panama park, the pope also made a plea for the environment that he said was "trampled underfoot by disregard and a fury of consumption beyond all reason."

Society in general "has lost the ability to weep and to be moved by suffering."

Instead of solidarity "from an opulent society" many encountered rejection, sorrow and misery "and are singled out and treated as responsible for all society's ills."

Pope Francis said in Panama on Friday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant as a threat to society. Francis was speaking after leading a solemn ceremony for hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims at the Catholic World Youth Day event.

Pope Francis said in Panama on Friday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant as a threat to society. Francis was speaking after leading a solemn ceremony for hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims at the Catholic World Youth Day event. He said the Church wanted to foster a culture "that welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates, that does not stigmatize, much less indulge in a senseless and irresponsible condemnation of every immigrant as a threat to society." In a wide-ranging speech to round off a massive gathering of young people in a Panama park, the pope also made a plea for the environment that he said was "trampled underfoot by disregard and a fury of consumption beyond all reason." Society in general "has lost the ability to weep and to be moved by suffering." Instead of solidarity "from an opulent society" many encountered rejection, sorrow and misery "and are singled out and treated as responsible for all society's ills."

Pope says 'senseless' to condemn every immigrant as threat

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-criticizes-those-who-build-walls-sow-fear-about-strangers-192644">Pope Francis</a> will meet young student priests on Saturday on the fourth day of his visit to Panama for World Youth Day celebrations, a day after the clergy sex abuse scandal haunting his papacy returned to the spotlight.

The 82-year-old Argentine pontiff will begin the penultimate day of his visit to Panama by celebrating mass in the centuries-old colonial Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua, Panama's patron saint.

He will then visit the country's major seminary of San Jose, and address the ever-present problem of dwindling recruitment to the priesthood.&nbsp;

Around the globe, there were 414,969 Catholic priests at the end of 2016, more than 800 less than in 2014, according to the Vatican. There were nearly 700 fewer people joining the priesthood over the same period.

Francis himself acknowledged at a general audience in August that the scandals of abuse and cover-up by Church leaders have caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland.

The pope and the Archbishop of Panama, Cardinal Jose Domingo Ulloa, will host a lunch at the seminary for 10 young people of different nationalities attending the WYD, a tradition at the mass gatherings, held every three years.

Francis will preside over an evening vigil with an expected crowd of some 200,000 pilgrims at the three-kilometre-long Metro Park on the outskirts of Panama.

Swipe at Trump's wall

Late Friday, in a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against Central American migrants, the pope told hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society."

The Argentine pontiff was speaking at the end of a solemn ceremony commemorating Christ's Crucifixion, which drew the largest crowd of pilgrims of his five-day visit.

The Vatican faced questions Friday over why the pope, who addressed hundreds of Central American bishops the day before, had not spoken out against the scourge of clergy sex abuse afflicting the Church.

His spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said that it was never far from Francis' mind because the Church was under "incredible pressure."

But it was "not necessary" the pope should raise the issue at every gathering of bishops or young people, he said.

Gisotti said next month's meeting of leading bishops in Rome would be a unique chance to provide them with "concrete measures" to tackle the "terrible plague."

In his evening homily, Francis returned to his theme of defending migrants during this visit to Central America, the hub for migrant caravans heading north through Mexico to the US border.

The Church wanted to foster a culture "that welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates, that does not stigmatize, much less indulge in a senseless and irresponsible condemnation of every immigrant as a threat to society."

In the crowd was 23-year-old Honduran student Wiston Medina. "Many of my friends have lost their jobs and gone to the United States. Everyone in Honduras has family in the US, they left looking for a better future," he told AFP.

Also Friday, Francis visited a youth penitentiary outside the capital.&nbsp;

"Where people's lives are concerned, it seems easier to post signs and labels," stigmatizing "not only people's past but also their present and future," he told the centre's young inmates, many of whom are serving time for serious crimes.&nbsp;

He told them they were not defined by the labels society had given them, as offenders.

"Keep fighting, all of you, to seek and find the paths of integration and transformation."

Pope Francis will meet young student priests on Saturday on the fourth day of his visit to Panama for World Youth Day celebrations, a day after the clergy sex abuse scandal haunting his papacy returned to the spotlight.

Pope Francis will meet young student priests on Saturday on the fourth day of his visit to Panama for World Youth Day celebrations, a day after the clergy sex abuse scandal haunting his papacy returned to the spotlight. The 82-year-old Argentine pontiff will begin the penultimate day of his visit to Panama by celebrating mass in the centuries-old colonial Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua, Panama's patron saint. He will then visit the country's major seminary of San Jose, and address the ever-present problem of dwindling recruitment to the priesthood. Around the globe, there were 414,969 Catholic priests at the end of 2016, more than 800 less than in 2014, according to the Vatican. There were nearly 700 fewer people joining the priesthood over the same period. Francis himself acknowledged at a general audience in August that the scandals of abuse and cover-up by Church leaders have caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland. The pope and the Archbishop of Panama, Cardinal Jose Domingo Ulloa, will host a lunch at the seminary for 10 young people of different nationalities attending the WYD, a tradition at the mass gatherings, held every three years. Francis will preside over an evening vigil with an expected crowd of some 200,000 pilgrims at the three-kilometre-long Metro Park on the outskirts of Panama. Swipe at Trump's wall Late Friday, in a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against Central American migrants, the pope told hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society." The Argentine pontiff was speaking at the end of a solemn ceremony commemorating Christ's Crucifixion, which drew the largest crowd of pilgrims of his five-day visit. The Vatican faced questions Friday over why the pope, who addressed hundreds of Central American bishops the day before, had not spoken out against the scourge of clergy sex abuse afflicting the Church. His spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said that it was never far from Francis' mind because the Church was under "incredible pressure." But it was "not necessary" the pope should raise the issue at every gathering of bishops or young people, he said. Gisotti said next month's meeting of leading bishops in Rome would be a unique chance to provide them with "concrete measures" to tackle the "terrible plague." In his evening homily, Francis returned to his theme of defending migrants during this visit to Central America, the hub for migrant caravans heading north through Mexico to the US border. The Church wanted to foster a culture "that welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates, that does not stigmatize, much less indulge in a senseless and irresponsible condemnation of every immigrant as a threat to society." In the crowd was 23-year-old Honduran student Wiston Medina. "Many of my friends have lost their jobs and gone to the United States. Everyone in Honduras has family in the US, they left looking for a better future," he told AFP. Also Friday, Francis visited a youth penitentiary outside the capital. "Where people's lives are concerned, it seems easier to post signs and labels," stigmatizing "not only people's past but also their present and future," he told the centre's young inmates, many of whom are serving time for serious crimes. He told them they were not defined by the labels society had given them, as offenders. "Keep fighting, all of you, to seek and find the paths of integration and transformation."

Pope to tackle dwindling vocations to priesthood at Panama meeting

Pope Francis attack Trump's border wall idea

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-on-trip-to-panama-says-fear-of-migrants-makes-people-crazy-192375">Pope Francis</a> urged Latin America's leaders on Thursday to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent.

Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life.

In a meeting with bishops from Central America, Francis said many young people found themselves "boxed in and lacking opportunities, amid highly conflictual situations with no quick solution: domestic violence, the killing of women - our continent is experiencing a plague in this regard - armed gangs and criminals, drug trafficking ...."

At least 2,795 women were victims of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2017, according to government data provided to the UN’s Latin American economic commission, ECLAC.

In El Salvador this phenomenon is particularly acute, with a rate of 10.2 femicides per 100,000 women in 2017, ECLAC said.

The pope said families had been "broken by an economic system that did not prioritize persons and the common good but made speculation its 'paradise'."

On Thursday evening, several hundred thousand young people took part in the opening ceremony of the Catholic Church's World Youth Day - the reason for the pope's visit - and heard Francis tell them to have the courage to change things.

In a morning address to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and the diplomatic corps, Francis said the continent's young people were demanding that their political leaders live honestly, transparently, simply, and "be opposed to all forms of corruption".

Last year, a Transparency International report on corruption in Latin America showed that more than half of people surveyed in 20 countries believed their government was failing to address corruption and one in three said they had to pay a bribe for public services.

Francis praised those in the Latin American Church, who, like assassinated Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, had tried to keep the truth alive "in the face of injustice, the spread of poverty, and the abuse of power".

Romero, a champion of the poor, became a human rights icon in Latin America when he was killed by a right-wing death squad in 1980 while he was saying Mass. He was made a saint last year.

Romero’s path to sainthood had stalled under two previous popes, reflecting concerns by some bishops in Latin America and the Vatican that he was overly political. But Francis speeded it up after his election as the first Latin American pope in 2013.

In the past, Francis criticised bishops who spoke badly of Romero even after his assassination, saying they had defamed and slandered him. On Thursday, Francis said Romero's name had become "a dirty word" for some.

Francis told Reuters in June he had wanted to make a stop in nearby El Salvador during his Panama visit to pray at Romero's tomb. Francis later decided to make a longer trip to El Salvador sometime in the future.

Pope Francis urged Latin America's leaders on Thursday to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent.

Pope Francis urged Latin America's leaders on Thursday to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent. Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life. In a meeting with bishops from Central America, Francis said many young people found themselves "boxed in and lacking opportunities, amid highly conflictual situations with no quick solution: domestic violence, the killing of women - our continent is experiencing a plague in this regard - armed gangs and criminals, drug trafficking ...." At least 2,795 women were victims of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2017, according to government data provided to the UN’s Latin American economic commission, ECLAC. In El Salvador this phenomenon is particularly acute, with a rate of 10.2 femicides per 100,000 women in 2017, ECLAC said. The pope said families had been "broken by an economic system that did not prioritize persons and the common good but made speculation its 'paradise'." On Thursday evening, several hundred thousand young people took part in the opening ceremony of the Catholic Church's World Youth Day - the reason for the pope's visit - and heard Francis tell them to have the courage to change things. In a morning address to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and the diplomatic corps, Francis said the continent's young people were demanding that their political leaders live honestly, transparently, simply, and "be opposed to all forms of corruption". Last year, a Transparency International report on corruption in Latin America showed that more than half of people surveyed in 20 countries believed their government was failing to address corruption and one in three said they had to pay a bribe for public services. Francis praised those in the Latin American Church, who, like assassinated Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, had tried to keep the truth alive "in the face of injustice, the spread of poverty, and the abuse of power". Romero, a champion of the poor, became a human rights icon in Latin America when he was killed by a right-wing death squad in 1980 while he was saying Mass. He was made a saint last year. Romero’s path to sainthood had stalled under two previous popes, reflecting concerns by some bishops in Latin America and the Vatican that he was overly political. But Francis speeded it up after his election as the first Latin American pope in 2013. In the past, Francis criticised bishops who spoke badly of Romero even after his assassination, saying they had defamed and slandered him. On Thursday, Francis said Romero's name had become "a dirty word" for some. Francis told Reuters in June he had wanted to make a stop in nearby El Salvador during his Panama visit to pray at Romero's tomb. Francis later decided to make a longer trip to El Salvador sometime in the future.

Pope says killing of women has become 'plague' in Latin America

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-killing-of-women-has-become-plague-in-latin-america-192583">Pope Francis</a> criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city.

"The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other. He is the master of division, and he is afraid of a people that learns to work together, and this is a criteria to recognize people: the builders of bridges and the builders of walls,'' Pope said.

The 82-year-old pope received a rock-star welcome by tens of thousands of young people when he arrived for the World Youth Day event at a palm-fringed park on the shores of Panama Bay.

The comment was clearly pointed to US President Donald Trump's proposal of building a wall at US-Mexico border.

When the Pope asked the crowd, ''What do you want to be?'' The crowd replied back ''builders of bridges.''

Meanwhile, Pope urged Latin America's leaders to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent.

Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life.

Pope Francis criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city. "The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other.

Pope Francis criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city. "The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other. He is the master of division, and he is afraid of a people that learns to work together, and this is a criteria to recognize people: the builders of bridges and the builders of walls,'' Pope said. The 82-year-old pope received a rock-star welcome by tens of thousands of young people when he arrived for the World Youth Day event at a palm-fringed park on the shores of Panama Bay. The comment was clearly pointed to US President Donald Trump's proposal of building a wall at US-Mexico border. When the Pope asked the crowd, ''What do you want to be?'' The crowd replied back ''builders of bridges.'' Meanwhile, Pope urged Latin America's leaders to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent. Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life.

Pope Francis criticises those who 'build walls', 'sow fear'

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiq2o7IyIXgAhUHso8KHeRUDU4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iMMK7iPlQNvLOFQIUTAlZ">US-Mexico border wall</a> on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear.

In a brief conversation between the pope and journalists on the flight, one reporter described the barrier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean between the two countries in San Diego, California, as a "folly".

Francis, who has made the defence of migrants a key part of his papacy, responded: "Fear makes us crazy".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-reiterates-demand-for-wall-attacks-media-191492&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjYofXgyIXgAhVVknAKHZQEC5IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kEDorYu3T_d6V7J1EqXde">President Donald Trump</a>, with whom the pope has sparred before on immigration, has triggered a US government shutdown over demands for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the United States' southern border.

Immigration is expected to be one of the main themes of Francis's six-day trip. The pope met eight refugees in Rome before heading to the airport for his 13-hour flight to Panama for World Youth Day.

Since mid-October, thousands of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, have travelled north to the United States through Mexico in caravans, some walking much of the way.

Many are seeking asylum, saying they suffer from rampant crime and bleak opportunities in their native countries.

"Nobody wants to leave their country but young Salvadorans are doing it searching for opportunities, employment, security," said Edwin Valiente, a 28-year-old architecture student who came to Panama from El Salvador for Francis' visit.

Francis, on his first trip to Panama and the first by a pope since 1983, was greeted at the airport by President Juan Carlos Varela and thousands of cheering children.

World Youth Day has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock", a jamboree where young people celebrate their faith and discuss social issues. It is held in a different city every three years.

About 150,000 have registered for this year's event, being held in Latin America for only the third time since Pope John Paul instituted it in 1985.

Several hundred thousand people are expected at the final Mass at a park on Sunday that will be open to all visitors and citizens of the country of 4 million people, which is about 89 per cent Catholic.

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a US-Mexico border wall on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear.

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a US-Mexico border wall on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear. In a brief conversation between the pope and journalists on the flight, one reporter described the barrier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean between the two countries in San Diego, California, as a "folly". Francis, who has made the defence of migrants a key part of his papacy, responded: "Fear makes us crazy". President Donald Trump, with whom the pope has sparred before on immigration, has triggered a US government shutdown over demands for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the United States' southern border. Immigration is expected to be one of the main themes of Francis's six-day trip. The pope met eight refugees in Rome before heading to the airport for his 13-hour flight to Panama for World Youth Day. Since mid-October, thousands of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, have travelled north to the United States through Mexico in caravans, some walking much of the way. Many are seeking asylum, saying they suffer from rampant crime and bleak opportunities in their native countries. "Nobody wants to leave their country but young Salvadorans are doing it searching for opportunities, employment, security," said Edwin Valiente, a 28-year-old architecture student who came to Panama from El Salvador for Francis' visit. Francis, on his first trip to Panama and the first by a pope since 1983, was greeted at the airport by President Juan Carlos Varela and thousands of cheering children. World Youth Day has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock", a jamboree where young people celebrate their faith and discuss social issues. It is held in a different city every three years. About 150,000 have registered for this year's event, being held in Latin America for only the third time since Pope John Paul instituted it in 1985. Several hundred thousand people are expected at the final Mass at a park on Sunday that will be open to all visitors and citizens of the country of 4 million people, which is about 89 per cent Catholic.

Pope says fear of migrants makes people 'crazy'

In pics: World Youth Day starts off in Panama

Pope Francis swiped a tablet on Sunday to launch a new app allowing the faithful to pray with him, and expressed his pain over the car bomb blast in Colombia and the latest Mediterranean migrant tragedy.

He presented the Vatican's latest digital platform, known as the Worldwide Network of Prayer with the Pope, during his traditional Sunday address to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square.

The new app, called Click to Pray, will inform the user what the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics is praying for, such as world peace or the population of a country hit by a natural disaster, so they can join him.

Francis, who once said he was a "disaster" with technology, turned to a priest holding the tablet for him and asked "Did I do it?" The priest nodded.

A Vatican statement said a website, www.clicktopray.org, would allow the faithful to "accompany the pope in a mission of compassion for the world".

Minutes earlier, the pope told the crowd: "Today, I have two pains in my heart. Colombia and the Mediterranean."

"I am thinking of the 170 victims in the Mediterranean. They were looking for a future for their lives and perhaps they were victims of human traffickers. Let us pray for them and for those who are responsible for what happened," he said.

The migrants were believed to have been lost in the Mediterranean in two incidents involving dinghies that left from Libya and Morocco.

Speaking of Colombia, he called the car bomb at a police academy on Thursday that killed at least 21 and injured dozens "a terrorist attack".

Colombia's President Ivan Duque said the rebel group ELN was responsible.

Pope Francis swiped a tablet on Sunday to launch a new app allowing the faithful to pray with him, and expressed his pain over the car bomb blast in Colombia and the latest Mediterranean migrant tragedy.

Pope Francis swiped a tablet on Sunday to launch a new app allowing the faithful to pray with him, and expressed his pain over the car bomb blast in Colombia and the latest Mediterranean migrant tragedy. He presented the Vatican's latest digital platform, known as the Worldwide Network of Prayer with the Pope, during his traditional Sunday address to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square. The new app, called Click to Pray, will inform the user what the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics is praying for, such as world peace or the population of a country hit by a natural disaster, so they can join him. Francis, who once said he was a "disaster" with technology, turned to a priest holding the tablet for him and asked "Did I do it?" The priest nodded. A Vatican statement said a website, www.clicktopray.org, would allow the faithful to "accompany the pope in a mission of compassion for the world". Minutes earlier, the pope told the crowd: "Today, I have two pains in my heart. Colombia and the Mediterranean." "I am thinking of the 170 victims in the Mediterranean. They were looking for a future for their lives and perhaps they were victims of human traffickers. Let us pray for them and for those who are responsible for what happened," he said. The migrants were believed to have been lost in the Mediterranean in two incidents involving dinghies that left from Libya and Morocco. Speaking of Colombia, he called the car bomb at a police academy on Thursday that killed at least 21 and injured dozens "a terrorist attack". Colombia's President Ivan Duque said the rebel group ELN was responsible.

Prayer with the pope just a click away with new app

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-predator-priests-who-sexually-abused-minors-to-turn-themselves-in-185719">Pope Francis</a> has said it is okay for couples to fight — heck it's normal — but he added that they should not do it in front of the children.&nbsp;

Francis said couples should not fight in front of their children because of the anguish it causes them.&nbsp;

"It's normal for spouses to fight ... It'd be strange if they didn't. Do it, but so that the children don't hear it or see it." AP quoted Francis as saying.&nbsp;

Francis made his comment on Sunday during a ceremony to baptise 27 newborns. The exercise is an annual one and fills the Vatican's Sistine Chapel with newborns, their parents and godparents.&nbsp;

Francis told the gathered parents that they had taken on the important new job of transmitting their faith to their children, a job that begins at home.&nbsp;

Pope Francis has said it is okay for couples to fight — heck it's normal — but he added that they should not do it in front of the children. Francis said couples should not fight in front of their children because of the anguish it causes them.

Pope Francis has said it is okay for couples to fight — heck it's normal — but he added that they should not do it in front of the children. Francis said couples should not fight in front of their children because of the anguish it causes them. "It's normal for spouses to fight ... It'd be strange if they didn't. Do it, but so that the children don't hear it or see it." AP quoted Francis as saying. Francis made his comment on Sunday during a ceremony to baptise 27 newborns. The exercise is an annual one and fills the Vatican's Sistine Chapel with newborns, their parents and godparents. Francis told the gathered parents that they had taken on the important new job of transmitting their faith to their children, a job that begins at home.

Don't fight in front of the kids: Pope Francis

Pope Francis will visit Romania for three days from May 31 to June 2, the Vatican announced on Friday.

"Welcoming the invitation of the president, state authorities and the Catholic Church in Romania, the Holy Father will make an apostolic journey to the country from May 31 to June 2, 2019," the Vatican statement said.

The statement said programme details would be revealed later.

The visit will be the second in quick succession the 82-year-old Argentinian makes to the region as he is due in Bulgaria, then Macedonia from May 5 to 7.

The leader of the Catholic Church is looking at a full schedule for 2019 having already pencilled in a February trip to Abu Dhabi and Morocco in March.

That will follow hard on the heels of World Youth Day, which the pontiff will attend in Panama in January.

Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania are home to small Catholic minorities with all three nations overwhelmingly Orthodox.

Visiting predominantly Orthodox nations will reinforce the image Francis wishes to project of a church seeking wider dialogue with other branches of Christendom as well as other faiths.

Looking further ahead, Francis has said he hopes to visit Japan in 2019 and a trip to Madagascar has also been mentioned.

But the Vatican has yet to unveil which invitations from Catholic nations will be taken up over the next 12 months.

Pope Francis will visit Romania for three days from May 31 to June 2, the Vatican announced on Friday. "Welcoming the invitation of the president, state authorities and the Catholic Church in Romania, the Holy Father will make an apostolic journey to the country from May 31 to June 2, 2019," the Vatican statement said.

Pope Francis will visit Romania for three days from May 31 to June 2, the Vatican announced on Friday. "Welcoming the invitation of the president, state authorities and the Catholic Church in Romania, the Holy Father will make an apostolic journey to the country from May 31 to June 2, 2019," the Vatican statement said. The statement said programme details would be revealed later. The visit will be the second in quick succession the 82-year-old Argentinian makes to the region as he is due in Bulgaria, then Macedonia from May 5 to 7. The leader of the Catholic Church is looking at a full schedule for 2019 having already pencilled in a February trip to Abu Dhabi and Morocco in March. That will follow hard on the heels of World Youth Day, which the pontiff will attend in Panama in January. Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania are home to small Catholic minorities with all three nations overwhelmingly Orthodox. Visiting predominantly Orthodox nations will reinforce the image Francis wishes to project of a church seeking wider dialogue with other branches of Christendom as well as other faiths. Looking further ahead, Francis has said he hopes to visit Japan in 2019 and a trip to Madagascar has also been mentioned. But the Vatican has yet to unveil which invitations from Catholic nations will be taken up over the next 12 months.

Pope Francis to visit Romania: Vatican

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to stop bickering over the fate of 49 migrants stuck aboard two humanitarian rescue ships on the Mediterranean and let them land at a safe port of call.&nbsp;

With his comments in an address to 60,000 people in St. Peter`s Square for the feast of the Epiphany, Francis jumped into a diplomatic fracas between Italy and Malta and into an internal dispute among leaders of Italy`s populist government.&nbsp;

"I make a heartfelt appeal to European leaders to show concrete solidarity for these people," Francis said, raising his voice. They were only "seeking a safe port where they can disembark", he said.

Thirty-two people are aboard the Sea-Watch 3, a vessel run by a German humanitarian group, which plucked them from an unsafe boat off Libya on Dec. 22. They include three small children and four teenagers. Another ship run by the German group Sea-Eye is carrying 17 people rescued on Dec. 29.

Last week, nearly two dozen humanitarian groups, including Amnesty International and the United Nations` International Organization for Migration, called on the European Union to offer a safe port to both vessels.

Speaking at a political meeting shortly before the pope made his appeal, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat defended his country`s refusal to take the vessels, saying it had no legal responsibility for the rescue.

He accused Malta`s critics of playing "the Christmas saint" while themselves rejecting the ships.

"We need to find a balance between the human aspect and national security. This is an issue that might set a precedent and we should be vigilant about it," he said.

Italy`s Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, shot back at Muscat, saying Italy had for years taken migrants who arrived via the Mediterranean. "Now, Malta has to do its part. That is our position," he said.

Di Maio has said Italy will take in women and children if Malta allows the ships to dock. But Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed ports to rescue ships, opposes this.

Salvini has often criticised Francis, who has made defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate.

Italy and Malta are predominantly Catholic nations but the Church`s influence in politics has waned significantly in recent years.

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to stop bickering over the fate of 49 migrants stuck aboard two humanitarian rescue ships on the Mediterranean and let them land at a safe port of call.

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to stop bickering over the fate of 49 migrants stuck aboard two humanitarian rescue ships on the Mediterranean and let them land at a safe port of call. With his comments in an address to 60,000 people in St. Peter`s Square for the feast of the Epiphany, Francis jumped into a diplomatic fracas between Italy and Malta and into an internal dispute among leaders of Italy`s populist government. "I make a heartfelt appeal to European leaders to show concrete solidarity for these people," Francis said, raising his voice. They were only "seeking a safe port where they can disembark", he said. Thirty-two people are aboard the Sea-Watch 3, a vessel run by a German humanitarian group, which plucked them from an unsafe boat off Libya on Dec. 22. They include three small children and four teenagers. Another ship run by the German group Sea-Eye is carrying 17 people rescued on Dec. 29. Last week, nearly two dozen humanitarian groups, including Amnesty International and the United Nations` International Organization for Migration, called on the European Union to offer a safe port to both vessels. Speaking at a political meeting shortly before the pope made his appeal, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat defended his country`s refusal to take the vessels, saying it had no legal responsibility for the rescue. He accused Malta`s critics of playing "the Christmas saint" while themselves rejecting the ships. "We need to find a balance between the human aspect and national security. This is an issue that might set a precedent and we should be vigilant about it," he said. Italy`s Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, shot back at Muscat, saying Italy had for years taken migrants who arrived via the Mediterranean. "Now, Malta has to do its part. That is our position," he said. Di Maio has said Italy will take in women and children if Malta allows the ships to dock. But Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed ports to rescue ships, opposes this. Salvini has often criticised Francis, who has made defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate. Italy and Malta are predominantly Catholic nations but the Church`s influence in politics has waned significantly in recent years.

Pope enters migrant ships dispute with appeal for safe ports

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year on Tuesday, bemoaned a lack of unity across the world and warned against a soulless hunt for profit that benefits only a few.

"How much dispersion and solitude there is all around us. The world is completely connected, yet seems increasingly disjointed," the pope said in his traditional New Year's Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

In his homily he paid homage to motherhood, saying a world that looked to the future while forgetting "a mother's gaze" was shortsighted.

"It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters," he said.

The New Year's address followed a turbulent 2018 for the pope, whose Church was battered by a torrent of sex scandals across the world that Francis has repeatedly failed to contain.

The sense of crisis was underscored on Monday when the Vatican spokesman and his deputy abruptly and unexpectedly resigned following disagreements on communications strategy.

Pope Francis made no overt reference to the tumult, but called for Roman Catholics to remain rooted to the Church, saying: "Unity counts more than diversity."

He also warned that Church risked becoming "a beautiful museum of the past" if people lost "the amazement of faith".

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year on Tuesday, bemoaned a lack of unity across the world and warned against a soulless hunt for profit that benefits only a few.

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year on Tuesday, bemoaned a lack of unity across the world and warned against a soulless hunt for profit that benefits only a few. "How much dispersion and solitude there is all around us. The world is completely connected, yet seems increasingly disjointed," the pope said in his traditional New Year's Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. In his homily he paid homage to motherhood, saying a world that looked to the future while forgetting "a mother's gaze" was shortsighted. "It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters," he said. The New Year's address followed a turbulent 2018 for the pope, whose Church was battered by a torrent of sex scandals across the world that Francis has repeatedly failed to contain. The sense of crisis was underscored on Monday when the Vatican spokesman and his deputy abruptly and unexpectedly resigned following disagreements on communications strategy. Pope Francis made no overt reference to the tumult, but called for Roman Catholics to remain rooted to the Church, saying: "Unity counts more than diversity." He also warned that Church risked becoming "a beautiful museum of the past" if people lost "the amazement of faith".

Pope bemoans disjointed world, praises unity over diversity

Pope Francis assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's consumerism at the Vatican and pilgrims crowded into the church at the traditional site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem on Tuesday as Christmas celebrations began worldwide.

Thousands attended mass on Monday night at the Vatican's Saint Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, offered his Christmas homily.

"An <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-explains-why-he-did-not-say-rohingya-25787">insatiable greed marks all human history</a>, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive," the 82-year-old pope said.

Pope Francis will deliver his sixth "Urbi et Orbi" address on Tuesday, Christmas Day -- when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ -- to pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square.

Visitors from across the world gathered in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve ahead of midnight mass, queueing to see the grotto where Jesus is believed to have been born and taking in a festive parade.

In the "little town" in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian scouts and a bagpipe band paraded in Manger Square across from the Church of the Nativity, built where Christians say Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Crowds, some wearing Santa hats or holding balloons, looked on at the square decked out with a giant Christmas tree and a manger as carols in Arabic played through speakers.

"It's a great opportunity to be in such a symbolic location for Christmas," said Lea Gudel, a 21-year-old French student studying in Jerusalem, who was in Manger Square on Monday morning.

Later in the day, musical groups took the stage at Manger Square in front of the Christmas tree, illuminated as night fell, to sing Christmas carols.&nbsp;

This year, visitors were also able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project.

The first church was built on the site in the fourth century, though it was replaced after a fire in the sixth century.

A newer and more spacious church, St. Catherine, is located next door to the basilica and is where midnight mass is held.

Hundreds of worshippers crowded into the stone church for the mass led by the Catholic archbishop for the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was among dignitaries in attendance.

Pizzaballa in his homily spoke of a "responsibility of caring for the city and the land where we live."

"Not to own or occupy it, but to transform it from a simple urban area of private services and personal interests, to an area and place that provides the experience of communion, peace, relationship and sharing."

- Lights out in Washington - 
Bethlehem, located near Jerusalem but cut off from the city by Israel's separation barrier, has seen an increase in visitors this season after several down years due to unrest linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestinian tourism officials and hotel operators have reported their strongest season in years.

"This year is much more calm, much better than last year," said Abeer Nasser, a Palestinian from the nearby town of Beit Sahour celebrating in Bethlehem with her son and daughter.

"Every year I feel more in the mood to celebrate despite the political situation," the 37-year-old added, referring to the Israeli occupation.

Beyond Bethlehem, Christians worldwide were beginning to mark Christmas after a year in which leaders warned over violence against fellow worshippers.

On Friday, Pope Francis said "new extremist groups spring up and target churches, places of worship, ministers and members of the faithful."

This year's celebrations come after a year of tumult, much of which has come from Washington, where the festive spirit was dampened when the national Christmas tree went dark on the third day of a US government shutdown.

The US National Park Service said that it would remain unlit and closed to the public "until further notice," with checks being made for damage following an attempt by an intruder on Friday to climb the tree.

The tree, whose spectacular lights were switched on at a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump earlier this month, became a forlorn symbol of the dysfunction gripping Washington two years into his presidency.

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II will call for respect and civility in a Christmas message delivered with the country badly divided over its impending exit from the EU.

Barcelona was meanwhile on alert after the US State Department warned of the risk of a terrorist attack in Spain's second-largest city during the Christmas holidays.

Pope Francis assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's consumerism at the Vatican and pilgrims crowded into the church at the traditional site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem on Tuesday as Christmas celebrations began worldwide.

Pope Francis assailed the "insatiable greed" of today's consumerism at the Vatican and pilgrims crowded into the church at the traditional site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem on Tuesday as Christmas celebrations began worldwide. Thousands attended mass on Monday night at the Vatican's Saint Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, offered his Christmas homily. "An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive," the 82-year-old pope said. Pope Francis will deliver his sixth "Urbi et Orbi" address on Tuesday, Christmas Day -- when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ -- to pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square. Visitors from across the world gathered in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve ahead of midnight mass, queueing to see the grotto where Jesus is believed to have been born and taking in a festive parade. In the "little town" in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian scouts and a bagpipe band paraded in Manger Square across from the Church of the Nativity, built where Christians say Mary gave birth to Jesus. Crowds, some wearing Santa hats or holding balloons, looked on at the square decked out with a giant Christmas tree and a manger as carols in Arabic played through speakers. "It's a great opportunity to be in such a symbolic location for Christmas," said Lea Gudel, a 21-year-old French student studying in Jerusalem, who was in Manger Square on Monday morning. Later in the day, musical groups took the stage at Manger Square in front of the Christmas tree, illuminated as night fell, to sing Christmas carols. This year, visitors were also able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project. The first church was built on the site in the fourth century, though it was replaced after a fire in the sixth century. A newer and more spacious church, St. Catherine, is located next door to the basilica and is where midnight mass is held. Hundreds of worshippers crowded into the stone church for the mass led by the Catholic archbishop for the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was among dignitaries in attendance. Pizzaballa in his homily spoke of a "responsibility of caring for the city and the land where we live." "Not to own or occupy it, but to transform it from a simple urban area of private services and personal interests, to an area and place that provides the experience of communion, peace, relationship and sharing." - Lights out in Washington - Bethlehem, located near Jerusalem but cut off from the city by Israel's separation barrier, has seen an increase in visitors this season after several down years due to unrest linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinian tourism officials and hotel operators have reported their strongest season in years. "This year is much more calm, much better than last year," said Abeer Nasser, a Palestinian from the nearby town of Beit Sahour celebrating in Bethlehem with her son and daughter. "Every year I feel more in the mood to celebrate despite the political situation," the 37-year-old added, referring to the Israeli occupation. Beyond Bethlehem, Christians worldwide were beginning to mark Christmas after a year in which leaders warned over violence against fellow worshippers. On Friday, Pope Francis said "new extremist groups spring up and target churches, places of worship, ministers and members of the faithful." This year's celebrations come after a year of tumult, much of which has come from Washington, where the festive spirit was dampened when the national Christmas tree went dark on the third day of a US government shutdown. The US National Park Service said that it would remain unlit and closed to the public "until further notice," with checks being made for damage following an attempt by an intruder on Friday to climb the tree. The tree, whose spectacular lights were switched on at a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump earlier this month, became a forlorn symbol of the dysfunction gripping Washington two years into his presidency. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II will call for respect and civility in a Christmas message delivered with the country badly divided over its impending exit from the EU. Barcelona was meanwhile on alert after the US State Department warned of the risk of a terrorist attack in Spain's second-largest city during the Christmas holidays.

On Christmas, Pope assails 'insatiable greed' of today's consumerism

Pope urges predator priests to give in

Pope Francis on Friday urged predator priests who have sexually abused minors to turn themselves in, making one of his strongest comments ever on the crisis sweeping the Roman Catholic Church.

While it was not immediately clear if Francis was referring to the Church judicial system, civil justice, or both, Vatican sources believed it was the first time the pope had made such a direct appeal.

"To those who abuse minors I would say this: convert and hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice," Francis said in his traditional Christmas address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration.

He spoke two months before an extraordinary summit on the sexual abuse crisis that will be attended by the heads of some 110 national Catholic bishops' conferences and dozens of experts and leaders of religious orders in the Vatican.

Francis has previously used the Christmas address to denounce cases of corruption and mismanagement in the Curia. This time, he concentrated on the global sexual abuse crisis.

"Let it be clear that, faced with these abominations, the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whoever has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case," he said.

When the pope has made similar promises of zero tolerance in the past, victim groups have scoffed, saying the Church has to come up with a clear policy to make bishops themselves accountable for the mishandling of abuse cases.

The groups say the February meeting must do precisely this.

In his address, Francis acknowledged that the Church had made serious errors in the past but promised to make "past mistakes opportunities for eliminating this scourge" from both the Church and society at large.

Francis himself made such an error earlier this year when he first strongly defended a bishop in Chile who had been accused of covering up abuse, only later to launch an inquiry and accept the resignation of that bishop and other prelates in Chile.

"It is undeniable that some in the past, out of irresponsibility, disbelief, lack of training, inexperience, or spiritual and human short-sightedness, treated many cases without the seriousness and promptness that was due," he said.

"That must never happen again. This is the choice and the decision of the whole Church."

Pope Francis on Friday urged predator priests who have sexually abused minors to turn themselves in, making one of his strongest comments ever on the crisis sweeping the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis on Friday urged predator priests who have sexually abused minors to turn themselves in, making one of his strongest comments ever on the crisis sweeping the Roman Catholic Church. While it was not immediately clear if Francis was referring to the Church judicial system, civil justice, or both, Vatican sources believed it was the first time the pope had made such a direct appeal. "To those who abuse minors I would say this: convert and hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice," Francis said in his traditional Christmas address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration. He spoke two months before an extraordinary summit on the sexual abuse crisis that will be attended by the heads of some 110 national Catholic bishops' conferences and dozens of experts and leaders of religious orders in the Vatican. Francis has previously used the Christmas address to denounce cases of corruption and mismanagement in the Curia. This time, he concentrated on the global sexual abuse crisis. "Let it be clear that, faced with these abominations, the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whoever has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case," he said. When the pope has made similar promises of zero tolerance in the past, victim groups have scoffed, saying the Church has to come up with a clear policy to make bishops themselves accountable for the mishandling of abuse cases. The groups say the February meeting must do precisely this. In his address, Francis acknowledged that the Church had made serious errors in the past but promised to make "past mistakes opportunities for eliminating this scourge" from both the Church and society at large. Francis himself made such an error earlier this year when he first strongly defended a bishop in Chile who had been accused of covering up abuse, only later to launch an inquiry and accept the resignation of that bishop and other prelates in Chile. "It is undeniable that some in the past, out of irresponsibility, disbelief, lack of training, inexperience, or spiritual and human short-sightedness, treated many cases without the seriousness and promptness that was due," he said. "That must never happen again. This is the choice and the decision of the whole Church."

Pope Francis urges priests who sexually abused minors to turn themselves in

A hard-headed hospital nun who disobeyed doctor's orders saved the life of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-vows-no-more-cover-ups-in-letter-to-all-catholics-on-sexual-abuse-160429">Pope Francis</a> some six decades ago when he risked dying of pneumonia, the pope reveals in a new book.

When Francis was studying for the priesthood in Latin America in the 1950s he caught pneumonia, but it was mis-diagnosed by the seminary's doctor, who thought is was the flu, and one day had to be rushed to hospital "on the point of death," he says.

A doctor at the hospital realised it was pneumonia and ordered staff to give the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio two types of antibiotics.

But a hospital nun named Cornelia Caraglio, had a different idea.

"As soon as the doctor left (she told the staff) 'let's double the dose.' She certainly was a wise nun. By ordering that the dose be doubled she saved my life," he said.

Several months later, the future pope returned to hospital to have the upper part of one of his lungs removed because of an infection.

Francis, 81, made the comments in a book-length interview with Spanish priest Fernando Prado called "The Strength of Vocation", in which he discusses the challenges of being a priest or nun today.

It is due to be published this week in several languages. An advance copy of the Italian version was made available to Reuters.

A hard-headed hospital nun who disobeyed doctor's orders saved the life of Pope Francis some six decades ago when he risked dying of pneumonia, the pope reveals in a new book.

A hard-headed hospital nun who disobeyed doctor's orders saved the life of Pope Francis some six decades ago when he risked dying of pneumonia, the pope reveals in a new book. When Francis was studying for the priesthood in Latin America in the 1950s he caught pneumonia, but it was mis-diagnosed by the seminary's doctor, who thought is was the flu, and one day had to be rushed to hospital "on the point of death," he says. A doctor at the hospital realised it was pneumonia and ordered staff to give the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio two types of antibiotics. But a hospital nun named Cornelia Caraglio, had a different idea. "As soon as the doctor left (she told the staff) 'let's double the dose.' She certainly was a wise nun. By ordering that the dose be doubled she saved my life," he said. Several months later, the future pope returned to hospital to have the upper part of one of his lungs removed because of an infection. Francis, 81, made the comments in a book-length interview with Spanish priest Fernando Prado called "The Strength of Vocation", in which he discusses the challenges of being a priest or nun today. It is due to be published this week in several languages. An advance copy of the Italian version was made available to Reuters.

Disobedient nun saved my life, Pope Francis says in new book

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sculpture-donated-by-pope-unveiled-in-rio-de-janeiro-178193">Pope Francis</a> lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria.

"Advent is a time of hope. Right now, my hope is for peace for the children of Syria, tormented by a war that has lasted eight years," he said after the Angelus prayer.

"I am lighting a candle along with the many Syrian children and believers across the world who are lighting theirs," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-synagogue-attack-inhuman-act-of-violence-pope-francis-174025">Francis </a>said, as he put a match to wick in the window of the papal apartment, which overlooks Saint Peter's Square.

"Let these flames of hope dispel the shadows of war!" the pontiff said.

"May the flame of hope also reach all those who are victims of conflicts and tensions around the world, near and far".

The "Candles for Peace in Syria" Christmas initiative was launched Sunday by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity.

The tall candle, which rocked slightly in the wind on the papal windowsill, was decorated by a local craftsman from the Bab Touma quarter of Damascus in Syria and bore the photos of some 40 children, most of them from Aleppo.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-syria-border-crossing-reopens-after-3-years-171521">Syria's war</a> has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions, with over 13 million people in the country in need of humanitarian aid.

The UN Children's Fund warned last month that a funding gap and the start of winter could leave nearly one million children, including Syrians, "out in the cold" and prone to dangerous diseases in the Middle East and North Africa.

Pope Francis lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria. "Advent is a time of hope.

Pope Francis lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria. "Advent is a time of hope. Right now, my hope is for peace for the children of Syria, tormented by a war that has lasted eight years," he said after the Angelus prayer. "I am lighting a candle along with the many Syrian children and believers across the world who are lighting theirs," Francis said, as he put a match to wick in the window of the papal apartment, which overlooks Saint Peter's Square. "Let these flames of hope dispel the shadows of war!" the pontiff said. "May the flame of hope also reach all those who are victims of conflicts and tensions around the world, near and far". The "Candles for Peace in Syria" Christmas initiative was launched Sunday by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity. The tall candle, which rocked slightly in the wind on the papal windowsill, was decorated by a local craftsman from the Bab Touma quarter of Damascus in Syria and bore the photos of some 40 children, most of them from Aleppo. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions, with over 13 million people in the country in need of humanitarian aid. The UN Children's Fund warned last month that a funding gap and the start of winter could leave nearly one million children, including Syrians, "out in the cold" and prone to dangerous diseases in the Middle East and North Africa.

Pope lights candle for children of Syria

Pope chuckles as small mute boy tugs on Swiss guard sleeve during audience

Pope delays vote on sex abuse reforms

Pope Francis on Sunday called a deadly attack on a synagogue in the United States "an inhuman act of violence", expressing his "closeness to the Jewish community".

A man suspected of bursting into the synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday during a baby-naming ceremony and gunning down 11 people has been charged with murder, in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent US history.

"We are all, in truth, wounded by this inhuman act of violence," Francis said at the end of the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square.

"May the Lord help us put out the flames of hate that develop in our societies, strengthening the sense of humanity, respect for life, moral and civil values and holy fear of God".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-synagogue-suffers-20-minutes-of-terror-173916">US synagogue attacked: Twenty minutes of terror</a>

Suspect Robert Bowers, 46, reportedly yelled "All Jews must die" as he sprayed bullets into the Tree of Life synagogue during Sabbath services before exchanging fire with police, in an attack that also wounded six people.

The United States is witnessing a sharp spike in anti-Semitic incidents, surging 57 per cent from 2016 to 2017, to 1,986 from 1,267, according to the Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights group which has tracked anti-Semitism there since the 1970s.

Saturday's attack comes at a time of heightened tensions -- a day after a supporter of President Donald Trump was arrested for mailing explosive devices to Democrats and liberals, setting the country on edge ahead of close-fought elections.

Trump has been accused of fuelling hate with divisive rhetoric

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-synagogue-shooting-has-little-to-do-with-gun-laws-173917">Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws</a>

Pope Francis on Sunday called a deadly attack on a synagogue in the United States "an inhuman act of violence", expressing his "closeness to the Jewish community".

Pope Francis on Sunday called a deadly attack on a synagogue in the United States "an inhuman act of violence", expressing his "closeness to the Jewish community". A man suspected of bursting into the synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday during a baby-naming ceremony and gunning down 11 people has been charged with murder, in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent US history. "We are all, in truth, wounded by this inhuman act of violence," Francis said at the end of the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square. "May the Lord help us put out the flames of hate that develop in our societies, strengthening the sense of humanity, respect for life, moral and civil values and holy fear of God". Also read: US synagogue attacked: Twenty minutes of terror Suspect Robert Bowers, 46, reportedly yelled "All Jews must die" as he sprayed bullets into the Tree of Life synagogue during Sabbath services before exchanging fire with police, in an attack that also wounded six people. The United States is witnessing a sharp spike in anti-Semitic incidents, surging 57 per cent from 2016 to 2017, to 1,986 from 1,267, according to the Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights group which has tracked anti-Semitism there since the 1970s. Saturday's attack comes at a time of heightened tensions -- a day after a supporter of President Donald Trump was arrested for mailing explosive devices to Democrats and liberals, setting the country on edge ahead of close-fought elections. Trump has been accused of fuelling hate with divisive rhetoric Also read: Trump says US synagogue shooting has little to do with gun laws

US synagogue attack 'inhuman act of violence': Pope Francis

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff.

Moon briefed the pontiff about his visit to Pyongyang in September when Kim had "expressed his wish to welcome the pope into his country" saying he would "ardently" welcome him, the South Korean leader's spokesman said.

"When President Moon asked the pope if it would be alright for Kim to send an invitation... the pope said: 'What you just told me is enough, but it would be good if a formal invitation is sent'," he said, speaking in Korean.

"If the invitation comes, I will definitely respond to that, and I can go," he quoted the pope as saying.

In a statement, the Vatican said: "Strong appreciation was expressed for the common commitment to fostering all useful initiatives to overcome the tensions that still exist in the Korean Peninsula, in order to usher in a new season of peace and development."

And Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told AFP: "I can confirm that a verbal invitation was made."

Moon's spokesman also quoted the pope as saying that he "strongly" backed the peace process, telling the South Korean leader to "march ahead without stopping," adding: "Do not be afraid."

In a separate statement, the Vatican said the pope was not planning a trip to Taiwan. &nbsp;

Taiwanese Vice President Chen Chien-jen made the invitation during a weekend audience with the pope, later telling reporters that Francis had "smiled" when he made the offer.&nbsp;

Last month, the Vatican forged a landmark deal with Beijing on the appointment of bishops, paving the way for a rapprochement. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951.&nbsp;

That has raised questions over the future of official ties between Taiwan and the Holy See -- the island's only official ally in Europe -- as China makes a concerted effort to poach its dwindling number of diplomatic allies.&nbsp;

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff.

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff. Moon briefed the pontiff about his visit to Pyongyang in September when Kim had "expressed his wish to welcome the pope into his country" saying he would "ardently" welcome him, the South Korean leader's spokesman said. "When President Moon asked the pope if it would be alright for Kim to send an invitation... the pope said: 'What you just told me is enough, but it would be good if a formal invitation is sent'," he said, speaking in Korean. "If the invitation comes, I will definitely respond to that, and I can go," he quoted the pope as saying. In a statement, the Vatican said: "Strong appreciation was expressed for the common commitment to fostering all useful initiatives to overcome the tensions that still exist in the Korean Peninsula, in order to usher in a new season of peace and development." And Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told AFP: "I can confirm that a verbal invitation was made." Moon's spokesman also quoted the pope as saying that he "strongly" backed the peace process, telling the South Korean leader to "march ahead without stopping," adding: "Do not be afraid." In a separate statement, the Vatican said the pope was not planning a trip to Taiwan. Taiwanese Vice President Chen Chien-jen made the invitation during a weekend audience with the pope, later telling reporters that Francis had "smiled" when he made the offer. Last month, the Vatican forged a landmark deal with Beijing on the appointment of bishops, paving the way for a rapprochement. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951. That has raised questions over the future of official ties between Taiwan and the Holy See -- the island's only official ally in Europe -- as China makes a concerted effort to poach its dwindling number of diplomatic allies.

Pope ready to visit Pyongyang if invited: South Korea's Moon

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rome-will-appoint-bishops-china-let-it-be-clear-pope-francis-167721">Also Read:&nbsp;Rome will appoint bishops in China, let it be clear: Pope Francis</a>

Last month's deal gives the Holy See, Taiwan's last remaining diplomatic ally in Europe, a long-sought say over such appointments, although both sides call it "provisional" and sources have said some key issues remain unresolved.

Taiwan vice president Chen Chien-jen met Francis on Sunday and invited him to visit, Tsai's office said in a statement, adding that the Pope had replied he would pray for Taiwan. But it gave no date for the proposed visit.

Chen emphasized the provisional nature of the agreement between the Vatican and China, saying it did not involve a "diplomatic element" or affect the friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican, the statement added.

"We urge everyone not to excessively interpret and worry about this (deal)," it quoted Chen as saying.

On social media, Tsai thanked the Pope for his blessings. "We will take active and concrete actions to support the pope and to transmit our common values of freedom, justice, peace and care to all corners of the world," she wrote.

Although the Vatican says its September&nbsp;22 deal is not political, some Taiwan officials worry it could be a prelude to establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing, and Taiwan's Vatican envoy has said China wants to make the island irrelevant.

Taipei has routinely accused China, which considers it a breakaway province and has never ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold, of using dollar diplomacy and bullying to lure away its allies, charges Beijing has denied.

This year, former allies El Salvador, Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic switched ties to Beijing from Taipei, leaving it with just 17 formal allies, mostly less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific.

On October&nbsp;1st, in the first sign of a thaw after the pact, which was more than 10 years in the making, the Vatican said Beijing would, for the first time, allow Chinese bishops to attend a major Vatican meeting.

The meeting, known as a synod, began on October&nbsp;3 and runs until October&nbsp;28th.

However, Michael Yeung, the bishop of Hong Kong, told Reuters it will take time to tackle issues beyond the appointment of bishops and he feared suppression of Catholics in mainland China would continue despite the accord.

About a dozen bishops and priests, some elderly, remain in detention in China. Some have not been heard from in decades. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate.

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own.

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own. Also Read: Rome will appoint bishops in China, let it be clear: Pope Francis Last month's deal gives the Holy See, Taiwan's last remaining diplomatic ally in Europe, a long-sought say over such appointments, although both sides call it "provisional" and sources have said some key issues remain unresolved. Taiwan vice president Chen Chien-jen met Francis on Sunday and invited him to visit, Tsai's office said in a statement, adding that the Pope had replied he would pray for Taiwan. But it gave no date for the proposed visit. Chen emphasized the provisional nature of the agreement between the Vatican and China, saying it did not involve a "diplomatic element" or affect the friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican, the statement added. "We urge everyone not to excessively interpret and worry about this (deal)," it quoted Chen as saying. On social media, Tsai thanked the Pope for his blessings. "We will take active and concrete actions to support the pope and to transmit our common values of freedom, justice, peace and care to all corners of the world," she wrote. Although the Vatican says its September 22 deal is not political, some Taiwan officials worry it could be a prelude to establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing, and Taiwan's Vatican envoy has said China wants to make the island irrelevant. Taipei has routinely accused China, which considers it a breakaway province and has never ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold, of using dollar diplomacy and bullying to lure away its allies, charges Beijing has denied. This year, former allies El Salvador, Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic switched ties to Beijing from Taipei, leaving it with just 17 formal allies, mostly less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific. On October 1st, in the first sign of a thaw after the pact, which was more than 10 years in the making, the Vatican said Beijing would, for the first time, allow Chinese bishops to attend a major Vatican meeting. The meeting, known as a synod, began on October 3 and runs until October 28th. However, Michael Yeung, the bishop of Hong Kong, told Reuters it will take time to tackle issues beyond the appointment of bishops and he feared suppression of Catholics in mainland China would continue despite the accord. About a dozen bishops and priests, some elderly, remain in detention in China. Some have not been heard from in decades. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate.

Taiwan invites Pope Francis; no dates announced

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests.

Cardinal Wuerl, 77, had offered to resign on September 21 after facing strong criticism over a report detailing mass sexual abuse cases when he was a bishop in Pennsylvania.

Francis finally accepted his resignation on Friday in a letter in which he praised Wuerl's "nobility" and said the cardinal would stay on until his successor is appointed.

Wuerl said in a statement that he was "deeply touched" by the pope's letter and that his replacement would "allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future".

He also apologised for "any past errors in judgement".

A sweeping US grand jury report released in August revealed credible allegations against more than 300 predator priests and identified over 1,000 victims of child sex abuse covered up for decades by the Catholic Church in the state of Pennsylvania.

The report is thought to be the most comprehensive to date into abuse in the US church, but while prosecutors have filed charges against two priests, the vast majority of crimes happened too long ago to prosecute under current laws.

In the report, Wuerl, who was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006, is repeatedly cited as one of the church leaders who helped cover up the scandal.

Despite facing numerous calls for his resignation, including from his own clergy, Wuerl said at the time the report confirmed he had acted with "diligence, with concern for the victims and to prevent future acts of abuse".

The Catholic Church in the United States had already been shaken by the resignation of former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick in July.

The case triggered a storm in August when Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, accused the pope of ignoring allegations that McCarrick had abused a teenager decades ago.

On Saturday, Francis ordered an investigation into the Vatican archives over the allegations.&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests.

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests. Cardinal Wuerl, 77, had offered to resign on September 21 after facing strong criticism over a report detailing mass sexual abuse cases when he was a bishop in Pennsylvania. Francis finally accepted his resignation on Friday in a letter in which he praised Wuerl's "nobility" and said the cardinal would stay on until his successor is appointed. Wuerl said in a statement that he was "deeply touched" by the pope's letter and that his replacement would "allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future". He also apologised for "any past errors in judgement". A sweeping US grand jury report released in August revealed credible allegations against more than 300 predator priests and identified over 1,000 victims of child sex abuse covered up for decades by the Catholic Church in the state of Pennsylvania. The report is thought to be the most comprehensive to date into abuse in the US church, but while prosecutors have filed charges against two priests, the vast majority of crimes happened too long ago to prosecute under current laws. In the report, Wuerl, who was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006, is repeatedly cited as one of the church leaders who helped cover up the scandal. Despite facing numerous calls for his resignation, including from his own clergy, Wuerl said at the time the report confirmed he had acted with "diligence, with concern for the victims and to prevent future acts of abuse". The Catholic Church in the United States had already been shaken by the resignation of former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick in July. The case triggered a storm in August when Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, accused the pope of ignoring allegations that McCarrick had abused a teenager decades ago. On Saturday, Francis ordered an investigation into the Vatican archives over the allegations.

Pope accepts resignation of US cardinal over abuse cover-up claim

Pope Francis has defrocked two Chilean bishops for the alleged sexual abuse of minors, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting between the pontiff and the president of Chile.

The decision to expel former archbishop Francisco Jose Cox Huneeus and former bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes Fernandez -- the latest heads to roll in a country hit hard by the cleric abuse scandal -- could not be appealed, it said.

Both were stripped of their priesthood "as a consequence of overt acts of abuse against minors".

Defrocking is considered the harshest penalty for priests within the Church and means the offender is forbidden from exercising any clerical duties at all, even in private.

Scores of new cases of priestly sexual abuse of minors have come to light in Chile, deepening a crisis in the Roman Catholic church that has also embroiled Pope Francis.

On Saturday, Francis met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the Vatican for talks on the "difficult situation" in Chile.

They discussed "the painful scourge of abuse of minors, reiterating the effort of all in collaboration to combat and prevent the perpetration of such crimes and their concealment", the Vatican said.

The leaders "shared the hope that the church could live a true rebirth," Pinera said in a statement.

A total of 167 bishops, priests and lay members of the church are now under investigation for sexual crimes committed in the South American country since 1960.

Pope Francis has already apologised repeatedly to Chileans over the scandal, admitting the church failed "to listen and react" to the allegations, but vowed to "restore justice".&nbsp;

In May, the Argentine pontiff accepted the resignation of five Chilean bishops amid accusations of abuse and related coverups.

Pope Francis has defrocked two Chilean bishops for the alleged sexual abuse of minors, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting between the pontiff and the president of Chile.

Pope Francis has defrocked two Chilean bishops for the alleged sexual abuse of minors, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting between the pontiff and the president of Chile. The decision to expel former archbishop Francisco Jose Cox Huneeus and former bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes Fernandez -- the latest heads to roll in a country hit hard by the cleric abuse scandal -- could not be appealed, it said. Both were stripped of their priesthood "as a consequence of overt acts of abuse against minors". Defrocking is considered the harshest penalty for priests within the Church and means the offender is forbidden from exercising any clerical duties at all, even in private. Scores of new cases of priestly sexual abuse of minors have come to light in Chile, deepening a crisis in the Roman Catholic church that has also embroiled Pope Francis. On Saturday, Francis met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the Vatican for talks on the "difficult situation" in Chile. They discussed "the painful scourge of abuse of minors, reiterating the effort of all in collaboration to combat and prevent the perpetration of such crimes and their concealment", the Vatican said. The leaders "shared the hope that the church could live a true rebirth," Pinera said in a statement. A total of 167 bishops, priests and lay members of the church are now under investigation for sexual crimes committed in the South American country since 1960. Pope Francis has already apologised repeatedly to Chileans over the scandal, admitting the church failed "to listen and react" to the allegations, but vowed to "restore justice". In May, the Argentine pontiff accepted the resignation of five Chilean bishops amid accusations of abuse and related coverups.

Pope defrocks two Chilean bishops for sex abuse of minors

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