Pope Francis said Saturday that silence on sexual abuse can "no longer be tolerated" as he ordered an investigation into Vatican archives concerning former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick, who resigned in July.

"Both abuse and its cover-up can no longer be tolerated," said Francis in a Vatican statement in which he declared the Church had to tackle "the grave scourge of abuse within and beyond" the institution.

The case of McCarrick triggered a storm in August after Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, dropped a bombshell letter accusing the pope of ignoring allegations about the prominent US cardinal, one of the most senior Catholic leaders to face abuse allegations.

Following Vigano's letter, US groups representing survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests urged the Vatican to publish a list of clerics accused of sexual assault.

Saturday's Vatican statement said Francis was "aware of and concerned by the confusion that these accusations are causing in the conscience of the faithful."

The statement added: "Both abuse and its cover-up can no longer be tolerated" and said the Church had a duty "to prevent such crimes from being committed in the future to the harm of the most innocent and most vulnerable in society".

The statement also underlined that Francis had in an August letter to Catholics stated that "the only way that we have to respond to this evil that has darkened so many lives is to experience it as a task regarding all of us as the People of God.

"This awareness of being part of a people and a shared history will enable us to acknowledge our past sins and mistakes with a penitential openness that can allow us to be renewed from within," said the statement.

Regarding McCarrick, the Vatican said Francis "has decided that information gathered during the preliminary investigation be combined with a further thorough study of the entire documentation present in the Archives of the Dicasteries and Offices of the Holy See ... to ascertain all the relevant facts, to place them in their historical context and to evaluate them objectively."

The Vatican concluded the Holy See recognised "it may emerge that choices were taken that would not be consonant with a contemporary approach to such issues" but that, as Francis said in 2015, "we will follow the path of truth wherever it may lead."

Pope Francis said Saturday that silence on sexual abuse can "no longer be tolerated" as he ordered an investigation into Vatican archives concerning former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick, who resigned in July.

Pope Francis said Saturday that silence on sexual abuse can "no longer be tolerated" as he ordered an investigation into Vatican archives concerning former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick, who resigned in July. "Both abuse and its cover-up can no longer be tolerated," said Francis in a Vatican statement in which he declared the Church had to tackle "the grave scourge of abuse within and beyond" the institution. The case of McCarrick triggered a storm in August after Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, dropped a bombshell letter accusing the pope of ignoring allegations about the prominent US cardinal, one of the most senior Catholic leaders to face abuse allegations. Following Vigano's letter, US groups representing survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests urged the Vatican to publish a list of clerics accused of sexual assault. Saturday's Vatican statement said Francis was "aware of and concerned by the confusion that these accusations are causing in the conscience of the faithful." The statement added: "Both abuse and its cover-up can no longer be tolerated" and said the Church had a duty "to prevent such crimes from being committed in the future to the harm of the most innocent and most vulnerable in society". The statement also underlined that Francis had in an August letter to Catholics stated that "the only way that we have to respond to this evil that has darkened so many lives is to experience it as a task regarding all of us as the People of God. "This awareness of being part of a people and a shared history will enable us to acknowledge our past sins and mistakes with a penitential openness that can allow us to be renewed from within," said the statement. Regarding McCarrick, the Vatican said Francis "has decided that information gathered during the preliminary investigation be combined with a further thorough study of the entire documentation present in the Archives of the Dicasteries and Offices of the Holy See ... to ascertain all the relevant facts, to place them in their historical context and to evaluate them objectively." The Vatican concluded the Holy See recognised "it may emerge that choices were taken that would not be consonant with a contemporary approach to such issues" but that, as Francis said in 2015, "we will follow the path of truth wherever it may lead."

Church can no longer tolerate silence on abuse: Pope Francis

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say.

The agreement, which gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the appointment of bishops in China, was signed last Saturday, but details have not been made public.

Three sources aware of the substance of the provisional deal say the plight of a dozen or so detained priests and bishops, some elderly, remains unresolved and will be subject to on-going Vatican efforts. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate despite repeated Vatican requests in recent years, the sources said.

A senior Vatican source said the precise number still believed to be in detention was not clear.

Some of those held are feared to have died in detention, according to Catholic priests and activists who monitor the situation on the mainland.

Neither China's Foreign Ministry, which has been leading the talks with the Vatican, nor the Ministry of Public Security immediately responded to requests for comment.

A Vatican spokesman said he had no immediate comment.

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese issued a statement in June protesting the renewed detention of Bishop Cui Tai from Hebei province in April, urging the release of all "unreasonably and illegally detained clergy".

They also highlighted the detention of Baoding Bishop James Su Zhimin. Now 86, Su has been held since his arrest in October, 1997 but no details of his whereabouts or condition are known.

"The reality is this deal is a small step, a very small step...there is much hard work ahead on unresolved issues," said one cleric familiar with the pact.

Hong Kong priests say a total figure of clerics under detention or house arrest in China is hard to pin down given official opacity. Beyond long-term detentions, some are held briefly by local authorities.

China's approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church loyal to the pope and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association.

While some critics have slammed this month's agreement as a betrayal that could finally crush the underground Church, Vatican officials said failure to strike the deal could have led to a fatal schism between Chinese Catholics.

"There are many other points and concrete matters that pertain to the life of the Church that can now be put forward," said Father Federico Lombardi, a former papal spokesman who followed the negotiations closely.

"The fact that a positive result has been achieved leaves hope that others can follow, that there can be development," he told Italy's Catholic SIR news agency.

ROLE OF BISHOPS

Another issue still to be finalised, according to the same three Catholic sources, is the future roles and responsibilities of some of the seven bishops ordained by Beijing's state-backed church without Vatican approval but legitimised by Pope Francis to clear the way for the deal.

Two of the seven had faced earlier Vatican investigations into allegations they had wives or girlfriends, according to Catholic sources - contravening the vow of celibacy taken by Catholic priests.

They are expected to take up administrative or symbolic roles, keeping the title of bishop without carrying out full responsibilities, including the ordination of priests, the sources said. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the personal status of these two bishops.

Under the deal, the government will no longer appoint bishops without the approval of the Vatican, which will be given candidates chosen by Catholic communities and Chinese authorities.

But uncertainty is already mounting among some Chinese faithful over how their underground body will integrate with the government-linked Church.

Father Bernardo Cervellera, editor of Rome-based Catholic news agency AsiaNews, said that underground bishops were still restricted. They can say Mass but not move around their dioceses as freely as they wanted.

Missionary priests in contact with underground counterparts in recent days say the pressure on them has intensified in recent months.

"I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," Pope Francis said on Tuesday. He has repeatedly defended the deal, which he said would give him, and not Beijing, the final say.

RESERVATIONS IN HONG KONG

The Bishop of Hong Kong - for decades a vital Catholic beachhead on the edge of officially atheist China - on Saturday expressed his reservations over the pact, saying time and more details were needed before it could be fully judged, or even called an agreement.

Quoted in this weekend's edition of the Sunday Examiner, the city's Catholic newspaper, Bishop Michael Yeung referenced lyrics from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA: "The winner takes it all, the loser's standing small."

"Catholics in China are neither radicals nor revolutionaries, instead they are really poor people," he was quoted as saying. "It is unfortunate that the Communist government targets the Catholic Church more than any other religious group in China."

Bishop Yeung, who told the paper he was not yet aware of the content of the accord, did not respond to Reuters' questions.

A Hong Kong-based Vatican envoy was also quoted in the Examiner saying that the deal was of "great importance", but more negotiations were needed to ensure more freedom and autonomy for the Church.

"I hope the agreement may also bring more trust between the two parties and will inspire other solutions for the benefit of our Catholic Church in China," said Monsignor Ante Jozic, one of only two semi-official Vatican representatives in greater China under Communist Party control.

Jozic confirmed his remarks to Reuters, but said he could not comment further.

Hong Kong is one of the most important Catholic cities in Asia, home to an extensive network of aid agencies, missions, scholars and media that have supported Catholics in China and elsewhere.

While the Vatican instituted similar accords with Communist authorities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, the situation in China differs because Beijing created a rival brand of Catholicism through the Patriotic Association.

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say.

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say. The agreement, which gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the appointment of bishops in China, was signed last Saturday, but details have not been made public. Three sources aware of the substance of the provisional deal say the plight of a dozen or so detained priests and bishops, some elderly, remains unresolved and will be subject to on-going Vatican efforts. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate despite repeated Vatican requests in recent years, the sources said. A senior Vatican source said the precise number still believed to be in detention was not clear. Some of those held are feared to have died in detention, according to Catholic priests and activists who monitor the situation on the mainland. Neither China's Foreign Ministry, which has been leading the talks with the Vatican, nor the Ministry of Public Security immediately responded to requests for comment. A Vatican spokesman said he had no immediate comment. The Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese issued a statement in June protesting the renewed detention of Bishop Cui Tai from Hebei province in April, urging the release of all "unreasonably and illegally detained clergy". They also highlighted the detention of Baoding Bishop James Su Zhimin. Now 86, Su has been held since his arrest in October, 1997 but no details of his whereabouts or condition are known. "The reality is this deal is a small step, a very small step...there is much hard work ahead on unresolved issues," said one cleric familiar with the pact. Hong Kong priests say a total figure of clerics under detention or house arrest in China is hard to pin down given official opacity. Beyond long-term detentions, some are held briefly by local authorities. China's approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church loyal to the pope and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association. While some critics have slammed this month's agreement as a betrayal that could finally crush the underground Church, Vatican officials said failure to strike the deal could have led to a fatal schism between Chinese Catholics. "There are many other points and concrete matters that pertain to the life of the Church that can now be put forward," said Father Federico Lombardi, a former papal spokesman who followed the negotiations closely. "The fact that a positive result has been achieved leaves hope that others can follow, that there can be development," he told Italy's Catholic SIR news agency. ROLE OF BISHOPS Another issue still to be finalised, according to the same three Catholic sources, is the future roles and responsibilities of some of the seven bishops ordained by Beijing's state-backed church without Vatican approval but legitimised by Pope Francis to clear the way for the deal. Two of the seven had faced earlier Vatican investigations into allegations they had wives or girlfriends, according to Catholic sources - contravening the vow of celibacy taken by Catholic priests. They are expected to take up administrative or symbolic roles, keeping the title of bishop without carrying out full responsibilities, including the ordination of priests, the sources said. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the personal status of these two bishops. Under the deal, the government will no longer appoint bishops without the approval of the Vatican, which will be given candidates chosen by Catholic communities and Chinese authorities. But uncertainty is already mounting among some Chinese faithful over how their underground body will integrate with the government-linked Church. Father Bernardo Cervellera, editor of Rome-based Catholic news agency AsiaNews, said that underground bishops were still restricted. They can say Mass but not move around their dioceses as freely as they wanted. Missionary priests in contact with underground counterparts in recent days say the pressure on them has intensified in recent months. "I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," Pope Francis said on Tuesday. He has repeatedly defended the deal, which he said would give him, and not Beijing, the final say. RESERVATIONS IN HONG KONG The Bishop of Hong Kong - for decades a vital Catholic beachhead on the edge of officially atheist China - on Saturday expressed his reservations over the pact, saying time and more details were needed before it could be fully judged, or even called an agreement. Quoted in this weekend's edition of the Sunday Examiner, the city's Catholic newspaper, Bishop Michael Yeung referenced lyrics from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA: "The winner takes it all, the loser's standing small." "Catholics in China are neither radicals nor revolutionaries, instead they are really poor people," he was quoted as saying. "It is unfortunate that the Communist government targets the Catholic Church more than any other religious group in China." Bishop Yeung, who told the paper he was not yet aware of the content of the accord, did not respond to Reuters' questions. A Hong Kong-based Vatican envoy was also quoted in the Examiner saying that the deal was of "great importance", but more negotiations were needed to ensure more freedom and autonomy for the Church. "I hope the agreement may also bring more trust between the two parties and will inspire other solutions for the benefit of our Catholic Church in China," said Monsignor Ante Jozic, one of only two semi-official Vatican representatives in greater China under Communist Party control. Jozic confirmed his remarks to Reuters, but said he could not comment further. Hong Kong is one of the most important Catholic cities in Asia, home to an extensive network of aid agencies, missions, scholars and media that have supported Catholics in China and elsewhere. While the Vatican instituted similar accords with Communist authorities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, the situation in China differs because Beijing created a rival brand of Catholicism through the Patriotic Association.

Vatican deal with Beijing leaves some key questions unresolved

Pope Francis, facing clergy sex abuse scandals in several countries, said on Tuesday that the Roman Catholic Church has "spared no effort" to tackle the problem in recent years.

But, speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane while returning from a four-day trip to the Baltics, the pope again appeared to indirectly acknowledge that the Church had hidden sexual abuse "in the past century," saying that such cover-ups had been common in families as well.

Francis referred to a damning report last August by a US&nbsp;grand jury on sexual abuse of children by priests in Pennsylvania over a 70-year period. He noted that the incidents of abuse diminished toward the end of the years covered in the report.

"In more recent times the number went down because the Church realised that it had to fight in a different way," he said.

"In olden times, these things were covered up, they were even covered up in homes, when an uncle raped a niece, when a father raped his children. It was covered up because it was an enormous shame. That was the mentality in the last century," he said.

"Look at the proportions (in the Pennsylvania report) and you will see that when the Church started becoming aware of this, it spared no effort," he said.

Francis appeared to be referring to new rules put into place for preventing and reporting sexual abuse in the United States following the first big media expose of abuse in Boston in 2002.

The atmosphere during the nearly one-hour news conference was somewhat tense as the pope insisted that he first answer questions directly related to his trip, which took him to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Francis initially declined to take a question from a German reporter about the release of a research report hours earlier in her country that found that thousands of children had been sexually abused by clergy over a 70-year-period ending in 2014

He later began speaking about sexual abuse without being prompted.

"We all know the statistics (of the prevalence of sexual abuse within families), ... but as long as there is just one priest who abuses a boy or a girl this is monstrous because that man was chosen by God to lead children to heaven," Francis said.

The Church is grappling with a wave of new cases in countries including Chile, Germany and the United States.

Francis has come under fire from victims groups and other members of the Church who say he has not done enough to make bishops accountable for mishandling or covering up abuse cases.

Pope Francis, facing clergy sex abuse scandals in several countries, said on Tuesday that the Roman Catholic Church has "spared no effort" to tackle the problem in recent years.

Pope Francis, facing clergy sex abuse scandals in several countries, said on Tuesday that the Roman Catholic Church has "spared no effort" to tackle the problem in recent years. But, speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane while returning from a four-day trip to the Baltics, the pope again appeared to indirectly acknowledge that the Church had hidden sexual abuse "in the past century," saying that such cover-ups had been common in families as well. Francis referred to a damning report last August by a US grand jury on sexual abuse of children by priests in Pennsylvania over a 70-year period. He noted that the incidents of abuse diminished toward the end of the years covered in the report. "In more recent times the number went down because the Church realised that it had to fight in a different way," he said. "In olden times, these things were covered up, they were even covered up in homes, when an uncle raped a niece, when a father raped his children. It was covered up because it was an enormous shame. That was the mentality in the last century," he said. "Look at the proportions (in the Pennsylvania report) and you will see that when the Church started becoming aware of this, it spared no effort," he said. Francis appeared to be referring to new rules put into place for preventing and reporting sexual abuse in the United States following the first big media expose of abuse in Boston in 2002. The atmosphere during the nearly one-hour news conference was somewhat tense as the pope insisted that he first answer questions directly related to his trip, which took him to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Francis initially declined to take a question from a German reporter about the release of a research report hours earlier in her country that found that thousands of children had been sexually abused by clergy over a 70-year-period ending in 2014 He later began speaking about sexual abuse without being prompted. "We all know the statistics (of the prevalence of sexual abuse within families), ... but as long as there is just one priest who abuses a boy or a girl this is monstrous because that man was chosen by God to lead children to heaven," Francis said. The Church is grappling with a wave of new cases in countries including Chile, Germany and the United States. Francis has come under fire from victims groups and other members of the Church who say he has not done enough to make bishops accountable for mishandling or covering up abuse cases.

Catholic church 'spared no effort' to fight abuse scandals: Pope Francis

Pope Francis has asked all the Chinese Catholics to&nbsp;reconcile while accepting that a historic deal with Beijing on nominating bishops may have caused "confusion"

In a written message to Roman Catholics in China on Wednesday, the Pope said, "I now invite all Chinese Catholics to work towards reconciliation".

"Some feel doubt and perplexity, while others sense themselves somehow abandoned by the Holy See".

"I am aware that this flurry of thoughts and opinions may have caused a certain confusion and prompted different reactions in the hearts of many", he added.

Pope Francis had said earlier during the day that he&nbsp;and not China will have final say&nbsp;in the appointment of bishops after the Vatican and China struck a historic deal last week ending decades of conflict.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-begs-for-gods-forgiveness-for-sexual-abuse-scandal-161672">Read:&nbsp;Pope Francis 'begs for God's forgiveness' for&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-begs-for-gods-forgiveness-for-sexual-abuse-scandal-161672">sexual</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-begs-for-gods-forgiveness-for-sexual-abuse-scandal-161672">&nbsp;abuse scandal</a>

Francis, however, conceded "Catholics will suffer" but added that in a "peace accord or negotiation both sides lose something".

"I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," the Pope said.

Saturday's historic deal has paved the way for rapprochement between the Vatican and the Communist country, despite the fears of some in the persecuted underground Church.

According to the deal, new bishops first will be proposed by members of local Catholic communities together with Chinese authorities and the names of candidates will be sent to the Vatican.

There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China split between the underground church and serving state-led Catholic Patriotic Association.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis has asked all the Chinese Catholics to reconcile while accepting that a historic deal with Beijing on nominating bishops may have caused "confusion" In a written message to Roman Catholics in China on Wednesday, the Pope said, "I now invite all Chinese Catholics to work towards reconciliation".

Pope Francis has asked all the Chinese Catholics to reconcile while accepting that a historic deal with Beijing on nominating bishops may have caused "confusion" In a written message to Roman Catholics in China on Wednesday, the Pope said, "I now invite all Chinese Catholics to work towards reconciliation". "Some feel doubt and perplexity, while others sense themselves somehow abandoned by the Holy See". "I am aware that this flurry of thoughts and opinions may have caused a certain confusion and prompted different reactions in the hearts of many", he added. Pope Francis had said earlier during the day that he and not China will have final say in the appointment of bishops after the Vatican and China struck a historic deal last week ending decades of conflict. Read: Pope Francis 'begs for God's forgiveness' for sexual abuse scandal Francis, however, conceded "Catholics will suffer" but added that in a "peace accord or negotiation both sides lose something". "I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," the Pope said. Saturday's historic deal has paved the way for rapprochement between the Vatican and the Communist country, despite the fears of some in the persecuted underground Church. According to the deal, new bishops first will be proposed by members of local Catholic communities together with Chinese authorities and the names of candidates will be sent to the Vatican. There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China split between the underground church and serving state-led Catholic Patriotic Association. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope calls on divided Chinese Catholics to reconcile

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it.

Francis is visiting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, three countries who are looking warily towards what they fear is a newly hostile Russia.

"You know all too well the price of that freedom, which you have had to win over and over again," Francis said in a speech to President Raimonds Vejonis and the diplomatic corps shortly after his arrival in the Latvian capital.

All three countries initially won independence from imperial Russia 100 years ago, were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, occupied by the Nazis during World War Two and were then satellite republics of the Soviet Union until 1991.

Francis said their tragic history should remind Latvians of the importance of treasuring freedom and independence.

"If today we can celebrate, it is due to all those who blazed trails and opened a door to the future, bequeathed to you that same responsibility," he said aid before laying flowers at the Monument to Freedom in Riga.

The Nazis, who occupied Latvia during World War Two, killed some 70,000 of the country's Jews and later the Soviets deported some 60,000 people to Siberia.

Recent events in Russia, with which all three states share a land border, have brought on new nervousness. All three are members of the European Union and NATO.

"The fates of the Baltic States in the 20th century is a living testimony to the fact that a divided Europe leads only to suffering," Vejonis told the pope.

As Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and fears grew that the Baltics might be next on Moscow's list, defence spending was increased sharply and several thousand NATO soldiers were deployed.

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it.

Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom and to not forget the sacrifices of those who died for it. Francis is visiting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, three countries who are looking warily towards what they fear is a newly hostile Russia. "You know all too well the price of that freedom, which you have had to win over and over again," Francis said in a speech to President Raimonds Vejonis and the diplomatic corps shortly after his arrival in the Latvian capital. All three countries initially won independence from imperial Russia 100 years ago, were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, occupied by the Nazis during World War Two and were then satellite republics of the Soviet Union until 1991. Francis said their tragic history should remind Latvians of the importance of treasuring freedom and independence. "If today we can celebrate, it is due to all those who blazed trails and opened a door to the future, bequeathed to you that same responsibility," he said aid before laying flowers at the Monument to Freedom in Riga. The Nazis, who occupied Latvia during World War Two, killed some 70,000 of the country's Jews and later the Soviets deported some 60,000 people to Siberia. Recent events in Russia, with which all three states share a land border, have brought on new nervousness. All three are members of the European Union and NATO. "The fates of the Baltic States in the 20th century is a living testimony to the fact that a divided Europe leads only to suffering," Vejonis told the pope. As Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and fears grew that the Baltics might be next on Moscow's list, defence spending was increased sharply and several thousand NATO soldiers were deployed.

You had to win freedom over and over again, says Pope Francis to  Latvians

Pope Francis on Sunday paid homage to Holocaust victims who perished in the Vilnius ghetto, 75 years to the day after the Nazis liquidated it, and warned 100,000 Lithuanians gathered for mass against "pernicious attitudes" leading to genocide.

"Seventy-five years ago, this nation witnessed the final destruction of the Vilnius Ghetto; this was the climax of the killing of thousands of Jews that had started two years earlier," the pontiff told faithful in a homily in Kaunas, Lithuania's second city.

Pre-war Lithuania was home to a thriving Jewish community of more than 200,000 people, with its capital Vilnius a hub of learning known as the "Jerusalem of the North".

According to historians, around 195,000 -- nearly the entire Jewish population -- perished at the hands of the Nazis and local collaborators under the 1941-44 German occupation.

Today around 3,000 Jews live in the EU and NATO member state which has a population of 2.9 million, the majority of whom are Catholic.

Recalling the Holocaust, Francis prayed for divine "discernment" to alert the faithful to any reappearance of "that pernicious attitude, any whiff of it that can taint the heart of generations that did not experience those times and can sometimes be taken in by such siren songs."

The pope also said he would pay tribute to Holocaust victims at the Vilnius ghetto memorial later on Sunday at ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of its liquidation.

"In these days, I reserve a special thought for the Jewish community," the pontiff said, calling for "dialogue and the shared commitment for justice and peace".

Francis will travel to mainly Protestant Latvia on Monday and secular Estonia on Tuesday as all three Baltic states mark 100 years of independence this year.

Soviet-era repression&nbsp;

The last century of Baltic history was marked by both the Nazi invasion and then decades of persecution under Soviet occupation during the Cold War.

Vilnius estimates that more than 50,000 Lithuanians died under Soviet occupation in camps, prisons, and during deportations between 1944 and 1953. Another 20,000 partisans and supporters were killed in anti-Soviet guerilla warfare.

"Kaunas knows about this; Lithuania as a whole can testify to it, still shuddering at the mention of Siberia, or the ghettos of Vilnius and Kaunas, among others," Francis told the faithful.&nbsp;

The Argentine pontiff will also honour victims of Soviet-era persecution later on Sunday during a visit to a museum in the former KGB building in Vilnius where regime opponents were tortured and killed.

Behind the Iron Curtain, the Catholic Church played a key role in the non-violent anti-Soviet resistance, especially in Lithuania, the only Catholic-majority country of the three.

As a result, it was persecuted with both priests and bishops jailed, sent to Siberia or killed by totalitarian authorities.

Pope Francis on Sunday paid homage to Holocaust victims who perished in the Vilnius ghetto, 75 years to the day after the Nazis liquidated it, and warned 100,000 Lithuanians gathered for mass against "pernicious attitudes" leading to genocide.

Pope Francis on Sunday paid homage to Holocaust victims who perished in the Vilnius ghetto, 75 years to the day after the Nazis liquidated it, and warned 100,000 Lithuanians gathered for mass against "pernicious attitudes" leading to genocide. "Seventy-five years ago, this nation witnessed the final destruction of the Vilnius Ghetto; this was the climax of the killing of thousands of Jews that had started two years earlier," the pontiff told faithful in a homily in Kaunas, Lithuania's second city. Pre-war Lithuania was home to a thriving Jewish community of more than 200,000 people, with its capital Vilnius a hub of learning known as the "Jerusalem of the North". According to historians, around 195,000 -- nearly the entire Jewish population -- perished at the hands of the Nazis and local collaborators under the 1941-44 German occupation. Today around 3,000 Jews live in the EU and NATO member state which has a population of 2.9 million, the majority of whom are Catholic. Recalling the Holocaust, Francis prayed for divine "discernment" to alert the faithful to any reappearance of "that pernicious attitude, any whiff of it that can taint the heart of generations that did not experience those times and can sometimes be taken in by such siren songs." The pope also said he would pay tribute to Holocaust victims at the Vilnius ghetto memorial later on Sunday at ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of its liquidation. "In these days, I reserve a special thought for the Jewish community," the pontiff said, calling for "dialogue and the shared commitment for justice and peace". Francis will travel to mainly Protestant Latvia on Monday and secular Estonia on Tuesday as all three Baltic states mark 100 years of independence this year. Soviet-era repression The last century of Baltic history was marked by both the Nazi invasion and then decades of persecution under Soviet occupation during the Cold War. Vilnius estimates that more than 50,000 Lithuanians died under Soviet occupation in camps, prisons, and during deportations between 1944 and 1953. Another 20,000 partisans and supporters were killed in anti-Soviet guerilla warfare. "Kaunas knows about this; Lithuania as a whole can testify to it, still shuddering at the mention of Siberia, or the ghettos of Vilnius and Kaunas, among others," Francis told the faithful. The Argentine pontiff will also honour victims of Soviet-era persecution later on Sunday during a visit to a museum in the former KGB building in Vilnius where regime opponents were tortured and killed. Behind the Iron Curtain, the Catholic Church played a key role in the non-violent anti-Soviet resistance, especially in Lithuania, the only Catholic-majority country of the three. As a result, it was persecuted with both priests and bishops jailed, sent to Siberia or killed by totalitarian authorities.

Pope Francis honours Holocaust victims in Lithuania

Pope Francis began a Baltic tour in Catholic Lithuania on Saturday, honouring victims of the region's Nazi and Soviet occupations as the Church scrambles to contain the fallout from fresh clerical abuse scandals.

The four-day trip to the northeastern edge of the European Union and NATO alliance brings him geographically close to Russia, where Vatican diplomats have been trying for years to arrange a papal visit.

The pontiff will travel to mainly Protestant Latvia on Monday and secular Estonia on Tuesday as all three Baltic states mark 100 years of independence this year.

"It has been a century marked by your bearing numerous trials and suffering; detentions, deportations and even martyrdom," Francis told Catholic faithful who waved yellow, green and red national flags as greeted him in Vilnius.

The last century of Baltic history was marked by the Nazi invasion -- which wiped out almost all of the region's Jews -- and then decades of Soviet occupation during the Cold War.

Behind the Iron Curtain, the Catholic Church played a key role in the non-violent anti-Soviet resistance, especially in Lithuania, the only Catholic-majority country of the three.

As a result, it was persecuted with both priests and bishops killed by totalitarian authorities.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite called the pope's visit a "precious gift" for the centennial.

'Sowing division'

Vilnius estimates that more than 50,000 Lithuanians died in camps, prisons, and during deportations between 1944 and 1953. Another 20,000 partisans and supporters were killed in anti-Soviet guerilla warfare.

Francis also called on Lithuania, now an EU and NATO member of 2.9 million people, to draw on the difficult lessons of its turbulent history to become a "bridge between Eastern and Western Europe".

In an apparent reference to the surge of far-right anti-migrant movements in Europe, the pontiff also warned that there were "more and voices sowing division and confrontation... and proclaiming that the only way possible to guarantee security and the continued existence of a culture is to try to eliminate, cancel or expel others."&nbsp; 
Francis will honour victims of Soviet-era persecution during a visit to a museum in the former KGB building in Vilnius on Sunday where regime opponents were tortured and killed. And he will pray at a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

'Church's 9/11'&nbsp;

The pope's first foray into the Baltics risks being overshadowed by a fresh wave of devastating claims of sexual abuse committed by clergy across the globe.

Scandals in Australia, Europe, and North and South America have involved widespread claims of abuse -- and cover-ups -- by clergymen and lay members with one archbishop describing it as the church's "own 9/11".

Francis on Friday accepted the resignations of two more bishops from Chile, which is investigating more than 100 cases of sexual abuse by the clergy.

He has called for a meeting of the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences at the Vatican next February to discuss the issue of the "protection of minors". 
However, the pontiff has kept a stony silence regarding claims he had ignored allegations of abuse that were reported to him.

After a meeting with the pope on Wednesday, rock band U2's frontman Bono said he could see the pain on Francis's face when he told him that "it looks to some people that the abusers are being more protected than the victims".

Church authorities in Germany are expected to officially publish a study detailing decades of child sex abuse by priests as Francis winds down his Baltic trip on Tuesday.

The pope's Baltic journey follows in the footsteps of late Polish-born pontiff Saint John Paul II, who travelled to all three Baltic states in 1993, just two years after they broke free from the crumbling Soviet Union.

The trio have since firmly anchored their future in alliances with the West by joining both NATO and the EU in 2004.

Pope Francis began a Baltic tour in Catholic Lithuania on Saturday, honouring victims of the region's Nazi and Soviet occupations as the Church scrambles to contain the fallout from fresh clerical abuse scandals.

Pope Francis began a Baltic tour in Catholic Lithuania on Saturday, honouring victims of the region's Nazi and Soviet occupations as the Church scrambles to contain the fallout from fresh clerical abuse scandals. The four-day trip to the northeastern edge of the European Union and NATO alliance brings him geographically close to Russia, where Vatican diplomats have been trying for years to arrange a papal visit. The pontiff will travel to mainly Protestant Latvia on Monday and secular Estonia on Tuesday as all three Baltic states mark 100 years of independence this year. "It has been a century marked by your bearing numerous trials and suffering; detentions, deportations and even martyrdom," Francis told Catholic faithful who waved yellow, green and red national flags as greeted him in Vilnius. The last century of Baltic history was marked by the Nazi invasion -- which wiped out almost all of the region's Jews -- and then decades of Soviet occupation during the Cold War. Behind the Iron Curtain, the Catholic Church played a key role in the non-violent anti-Soviet resistance, especially in Lithuania, the only Catholic-majority country of the three. As a result, it was persecuted with both priests and bishops killed by totalitarian authorities. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite called the pope's visit a "precious gift" for the centennial. 'Sowing division' Vilnius estimates that more than 50,000 Lithuanians died in camps, prisons, and during deportations between 1944 and 1953. Another 20,000 partisans and supporters were killed in anti-Soviet guerilla warfare. Francis also called on Lithuania, now an EU and NATO member of 2.9 million people, to draw on the difficult lessons of its turbulent history to become a "bridge between Eastern and Western Europe". In an apparent reference to the surge of far-right anti-migrant movements in Europe, the pontiff also warned that there were "more and voices sowing division and confrontation... and proclaiming that the only way possible to guarantee security and the continued existence of a culture is to try to eliminate, cancel or expel others." Francis will honour victims of Soviet-era persecution during a visit to a museum in the former KGB building in Vilnius on Sunday where regime opponents were tortured and killed. And he will pray at a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. 'Church's 9/11' The pope's first foray into the Baltics risks being overshadowed by a fresh wave of devastating claims of sexual abuse committed by clergy across the globe. Scandals in Australia, Europe, and North and South America have involved widespread claims of abuse -- and cover-ups -- by clergymen and lay members with one archbishop describing it as the church's "own 9/11". Francis on Friday accepted the resignations of two more bishops from Chile, which is investigating more than 100 cases of sexual abuse by the clergy. He has called for a meeting of the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences at the Vatican next February to discuss the issue of the "protection of minors". However, the pontiff has kept a stony silence regarding claims he had ignored allegations of abuse that were reported to him. After a meeting with the pope on Wednesday, rock band U2's frontman Bono said he could see the pain on Francis's face when he told him that "it looks to some people that the abusers are being more protected than the victims". Church authorities in Germany are expected to officially publish a study detailing decades of child sex abuse by priests as Francis winds down his Baltic trip on Tuesday. The pope's Baltic journey follows in the footsteps of late Polish-born pontiff Saint John Paul II, who travelled to all three Baltic states in 1993, just two years after they broke free from the crumbling Soviet Union. The trio have since firmly anchored their future in alliances with the West by joining both NATO and the EU in 2004.

Pope honours Baltic martyrs as bishops quit over abuse

The Vatican announced Saturday it had reached an historic accord with China on the appointment of bishops in the Communist country which has so far named its own officials to a sole Beijing-recognised Catholic church.

The agreement follows "a gradual and reciprocal rapprochement (and) has been agreed following a long process of careful negotiation and foresees the possibility of periodic reviews of its application," the Vatican said in a statement issued as Pope Francis visits the Baltic states.

"It concerns the nomination of Bishops, a question of great importance for the life of the Church, and creates the conditions for greater collaboration at the bilateral level," it added.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke played down any suggestion that the accord could have wider political implications, even though it marks a breakthrough on an issue which has bedevilled relations with China for years.

The agreement "is not political but pastoral, allowing the faithful to have bishops who are in communion with Rome but at the same time recognised by Chinese authorities," he said in Vilnius.

The announcement had been expected amid speculation that it could lead to a normalisation of ties between the Vatican and Beijing, possibly at the expense of Taiwan.

The Vatican is one of only 17 countries around the world that recognises Taipei instead of Beijing but Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with China since he took office in 2013.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Catholic press reported earlier this month that a new round of Sino-Vatican negotiations was expected to be held in September and a deal could be signed in October.&nbsp;

There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China, divided between a government-run association whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party, and an unofficial church which swears allegiance to the Vatican.

The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951, two years after the founding of the communist People's Republic.&nbsp;

Previous attempts to restore ties have floundered over Beijing's insistence that the Vatican must give up recognition of its rival Taiwan and promise not to interfere in religious issues in China.

The Vatican announced Saturday it had reached an historic accord with China on the appointment of bishops in the Communist country which has so far named its own officials to a sole Beijing-recognised Catholic church.

The Vatican announced Saturday it had reached an historic accord with China on the appointment of bishops in the Communist country which has so far named its own officials to a sole Beijing-recognised Catholic church. The agreement follows "a gradual and reciprocal rapprochement (and) has been agreed following a long process of careful negotiation and foresees the possibility of periodic reviews of its application," the Vatican said in a statement issued as Pope Francis visits the Baltic states. "It concerns the nomination of Bishops, a question of great importance for the life of the Church, and creates the conditions for greater collaboration at the bilateral level," it added. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke played down any suggestion that the accord could have wider political implications, even though it marks a breakthrough on an issue which has bedevilled relations with China for years. The agreement "is not political but pastoral, allowing the faithful to have bishops who are in communion with Rome but at the same time recognised by Chinese authorities," he said in Vilnius. The announcement had been expected amid speculation that it could lead to a normalisation of ties between the Vatican and Beijing, possibly at the expense of Taiwan. The Vatican is one of only 17 countries around the world that recognises Taipei instead of Beijing but Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with China since he took office in 2013. Hong Kong's Catholic press reported earlier this month that a new round of Sino-Vatican negotiations was expected to be held in September and a deal could be signed in October. There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China, divided between a government-run association whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party, and an unofficial church which swears allegiance to the Vatican. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951, two years after the founding of the communist People's Republic. Previous attempts to restore ties have floundered over Beijing's insistence that the Vatican must give up recognition of its rival Taiwan and promise not to interfere in religious issues in China.

Vatican announces historic China accord to appoint bishops

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of two more Chilean bishops, bringing to seven the number who have stepped down since a sexual abuse scandal swept the nation's Roman Catholic Church.

A Vatican statement on Friday said the two were Bishop Carlos Eduardo Pellegrín Barrera of the diocese of San Bartolomé de Chillán, and Bishop Cristián Enrique Contreras Molina of the diocese of San Felipe.

In both cases, Francis appointed other bishops as commissioners, known as Apostolic Administrators, to run the dioceses until further notice.

Francis accepted the resignations of five other bishops in June, a month after all of the country's bishops offered to step down en masse during an emergency meeting with the pope over allegations of a cover-up of sexual abuse in the Latin American country.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of two more Chilean bishops, bringing to seven the number who have stepped down since a sexual abuse scandal swept the nation's Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of two more Chilean bishops, bringing to seven the number who have stepped down since a sexual abuse scandal swept the nation's Roman Catholic Church. A Vatican statement on Friday said the two were Bishop Carlos Eduardo Pellegrín Barrera of the diocese of San Bartolomé de Chillán, and Bishop Cristián Enrique Contreras Molina of the diocese of San Felipe. In both cases, Francis appointed other bishops as commissioners, known as Apostolic Administrators, to run the dioceses until further notice. Francis accepted the resignations of five other bishops in June, a month after all of the country's bishops offered to step down en masse during an emergency meeting with the pope over allegations of a cover-up of sexual abuse in the Latin American country.

Pope accepts resignation of two more Chilean bishops following abuse scandal

Pope Francis, addressing top oil company executives, said on Saturday that the world must convert to clean energy and warned that climate change risked destroying humanity.

"Civilisation requires energy but energy use must not destroy civilisation," he was quoted as saying to&nbsp;the high-profile group at the end of a two-day conference in the Vatican.

He said climate change was a challenge of "epochal proportions", adding that the world needed to come up with an energy mix that combated pollution, eliminated poverty and promoted social justice.

The unprecedented conference, held behind closed doors at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, brought together oil executives, investors and Vatican experts who, like the pope, back scientific opinion that climate change is caused by human activity and that global warming must be curbed.

"We know that the challenges facing us are interconnected. If we are to eliminate poverty and hunger ... the more than one billion people without electricity today need to gain access to it," the pope told them.

"But that energy should also be clean, by a reduction in the systematic use of fossil fuels. Our desire to ensure energy for all must not lead to the undesired effect of a spiral of extreme climate changes due to a catastrophic rise in global temperatures, harsher environments and increased levels of poverty," he said.

"Civilisation requires energy but energy use must not destroy civilisation," he told the group at the end of a two-day conference in the Vatican.

Pope Francis, addressing top oil company executives, said on Saturday that the world must convert to clean energy and warned that climate change risked destroying humanity. "Civilisation requires energy but energy use must not destroy civilisation," he was quoted as saying to the high-profile group at the end of a two-day conference in the Vatican. He said climate change was a challenge of "epochal proportions", adding that the world needed to come up with an energy mix that combated pollution, eliminated poverty and promoted social justice. The unprecedented conference, held behind closed doors at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, brought together oil executives, investors and Vatican experts who, like the pope, back scientific opinion that climate change is caused by human activity and that global warming must be curbed. "We know that the challenges facing us are interconnected. If we are to eliminate poverty and hunger ... the more than one billion people without electricity today need to gain access to it," the pope told them. "But that energy should also be clean, by a reduction in the systematic use of fossil fuels. Our desire to ensure energy for all must not lead to the undesired effect of a spiral of extreme climate changes due to a catastrophic rise in global temperatures, harsher environments and increased levels of poverty," he said.

Pope tells top oil executives world must convert to clean fuel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet.&nbsp;

Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn.

"There are nearly 7.5 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 75 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of The World's Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most," Forbes said.

Modi, 67, is ahead of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (ranked 13), United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May (14), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (15) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (24).&nbsp; 
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list, ranking 32nd. Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella is on the 40th spot.&nbsp;

Forbes said Modi "remains hugely popular" in the second most populous country on earth. It cited Modi government's November 2016 decision to eliminate India's two largest banknotes in a bid to reduce money laundering and corruption.

"Modi has raised his profile as a global leader in recent years during official visits with US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as warming affects millions of his country's rural citizens," Forbes said.

On Ambani, Forbes said the billionaire industrialist's Reliance sparked a price war in India's hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio in 2016.&nbsp;

"Jio has signed on 160 million customers by offering free domestic voice calls, dirt-cheap data services and virtually free smartphones," Forbes said.

After being named the most powerful person in the world for four consecutive years, Putin drops to the second spot, dethroned by Xi, who seizes the top spot for the first time ever after China's congress amended its constitution in March, broadening his influence and eliminating term limits.&nbsp; 
Forbes said the Chinese leader "enjoys a cult of personality" not seen since Chairman Mao Zedong, China's founding father.&nbsp;

Putin has ruled Russia since May of 2000, and this year he was re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 77 percent of the vote. ?That's the largest margin of victory for any candidate for the office since the fall of the Soviet Union,? Forbes said.

"This year's list highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of an elite few," Forbes said. 
Rounding up the top five on the list are Trump on the third spot, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4) and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos (5).&nbsp;

On Trump, Forbes said he has seen limited success pushing his agenda through a Congress controlled by his own party, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, and can't shake off scandals arising from his personal and business life --but he's still Commander in Chief of the world's greatest economic and military power.

There are 17 new names on the list this year, including Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud (8), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His father remains king, but he has consolidated power beyond any doubt and taken control of the country, Forbes said.&nbsp;

Other new members include U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (11), Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods (34), President of South Korea Moon Jae-in (54) and Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice Robert Mueller (72).&nbsp;

On Nadella, Forbes said the Microsoft CEO has steered the company away from a failing mobile strategy and focused on other segments, including cloud computing and augmented reality.&nbsp;

"Since taking over as a CEO, Microsoft's stock has increased by more than 150 per cent," it said.&nbsp;

The list also includes Pope Francis (6), Cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates (7), French President Emmanuel Macron (12), Alibaba Chief Jack Ma (21), CEO and Chairman of Tesla Elon Musk (25), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (31), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (36), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (57), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad (62), Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (69) and Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (73).

In compiling the list, Forbes said it considered hundreds of candidates from various walks of life all around the globe, and measured their power along four dimensions of whether the person has power over lots of people, financial resources controlled by each person, whether the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres and that the candidates actively used their power. PTI

Xi dethroned Russia's Putin. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list; he was ranked 32nd

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet. Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn. "There are nearly 7.5 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 75 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of The World's Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most," Forbes said. Modi, 67, is ahead of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (ranked 13), United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May (14), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (15) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (24). Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list, ranking 32nd. Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella is on the 40th spot. Forbes said Modi "remains hugely popular" in the second most populous country on earth. It cited Modi government's November 2016 decision to eliminate India's two largest banknotes in a bid to reduce money laundering and corruption. "Modi has raised his profile as a global leader in recent years during official visits with US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as warming affects millions of his country's rural citizens," Forbes said. On Ambani, Forbes said the billionaire industrialist's Reliance sparked a price war in India's hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio in 2016. "Jio has signed on 160 million customers by offering free domestic voice calls, dirt-cheap data services and virtually free smartphones," Forbes said. After being named the most powerful person in the world for four consecutive years, Putin drops to the second spot, dethroned by Xi, who seizes the top spot for the first time ever after China's congress amended its constitution in March, broadening his influence and eliminating term limits. Forbes said the Chinese leader "enjoys a cult of personality" not seen since Chairman Mao Zedong, China's founding father. Putin has ruled Russia since May of 2000, and this year he was re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 77 percent of the vote. ?That's the largest margin of victory for any candidate for the office since the fall of the Soviet Union,? Forbes said. "This year's list highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of an elite few," Forbes said. Rounding up the top five on the list are Trump on the third spot, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4) and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos (5). On Trump, Forbes said he has seen limited success pushing his agenda through a Congress controlled by his own party, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, and can't shake off scandals arising from his personal and business life --but he's still Commander in Chief of the world's greatest economic and military power. There are 17 new names on the list this year, including Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud (8), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His father remains king, but he has consolidated power beyond any doubt and taken control of the country, Forbes said. Other new members include U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (11), Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods (34), President of South Korea Moon Jae-in (54) and Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice Robert Mueller (72). On Nadella, Forbes said the Microsoft CEO has steered the company away from a failing mobile strategy and focused on other segments, including cloud computing and augmented reality. "Since taking over as a CEO, Microsoft's stock has increased by more than 150 per cent," it said. The list also includes Pope Francis (6), Cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates (7), French President Emmanuel Macron (12), Alibaba Chief Jack Ma (21), CEO and Chairman of Tesla Elon Musk (25), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (31), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (36), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (57), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad (62), Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (69) and Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (73). In compiling the list, Forbes said it considered hundreds of candidates from various walks of life all around the globe, and measured their power along four dimensions of whether the person has power over lots of people, financial resources controlled by each person, whether the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres and that the candidates actively used their power. PTI

China's Xi is world's most powerful person, Modi is 9th: Forbes

Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his sadness over the ongoing protests in Nicaragua and called for an end to the violence.

At least six people have been reported dead in protests fueled against unpopular changes in social security.

While speaking to people at St. Peter's Square during his Sunday address, the Pope wished for "an end to every form of violence and to avoid the useless shedding of blood."

He also expressed that differences must be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility".

On Saturday, after four days of protests, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, facing the biggest crisis of his leadership, said he was ready to consider changing an unpopular social security overhaul. The measures increase worker contributions and lower pensions.

Meanwhile, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said on Saturday he was ready to consider changing an unpopular social security overhaul that has sparked days of deadly protests and one of the biggest crises of his leadership.

At least six people have died since Nicaraguans began demonstrating on Wednesday against measures that increase worker contributions and lower pensions, in an unusually direct challenge to Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla.

Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast that has been hit by the violence.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pope also expressed that differences must be 'resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility'

Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his sadness over the ongoing protests in Nicaragua and called for an end to the violence. At least six people have been reported dead in protests fueled against unpopular changes in social security. While speaking to people at St. Peter's Square during his Sunday address, the Pope wished for "an end to every form of violence and to avoid the useless shedding of blood." He also expressed that differences must be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility". On Saturday, after four days of protests, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, facing the biggest crisis of his leadership, said he was ready to consider changing an unpopular social security overhaul. The measures increase worker contributions and lower pensions. Meanwhile, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said on Saturday he was ready to consider changing an unpopular social security overhaul that has sparked days of deadly protests and one of the biggest crises of his leadership. At least six people have died since Nicaraguans began demonstrating on Wednesday against measures that increase worker contributions and lower pensions, in an unusually direct challenge to Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla. Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast that has been hit by the violence. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nicaragua protests: Pope calls for end to deadly violence

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

"I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said.

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination".

The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.&nbsp;

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of 'instruments of extermination'

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. "I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. "I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said. Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination". The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.

Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria

Pope Francis, in his Easter address on Sunday, called for peace in the Holy Land two days after 15 Palestinians were killed on the Israeli-Gaza border, saying the conflict there "does not spare the defenceless".

The pope made his appeal in his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to tens of thousands of people in the flower-bedecked square below where he earlier celebrated a Mass, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, the pontiff appeared to refer directly to the Gaza violence last Friday (March 30), calling for a reconciliation in the Holy Land where an ongoing conflict "does not spare the defenceless".

Francis also appealed for an end to the "carnage" in Syria, calling for humanitarian aid to be allowed to enter, and for peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics also begged for peace for the entire world, in particular for Syria, hoping that the light of the risen Christ could illumine the consciences of all political and military leaders in order to end the conflict. He spoke a day after the Syrian army command said it had regained most of the towns and villages in eastern Ghouta.

Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated once-bustling towns in the suburbs east of the capital, which had nearly 2 million people before the start of the conflict and were major commercial and industrial hubs.

The pope called also for international assistance for Venezuela, so that more people would not have to abandon their homeland because of the economic and political crisis.

Speaking about the ongoing situation in Korean peninsula, the pontiff said that he is hoping that "fruits of dialogue" would advance peace and harmony in a region where the two sides are set to hold their first summit in more than a decade on April 27, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearisation.

Francis celebrated his sixth Easter as Roman Catholic leader since his election in 2013 and urged his listeners to work for an end to the acts of injustice in the world.

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The pontiff appeared to refer directly to the Gaza violence last Friday (March 30), calling for a reconciliation in the Holy Land where an ongoing conflict "does not spare the defenceless".

Pope Francis, in his Easter address on Sunday, called for peace in the Holy Land two days after 15 Palestinians were killed on the Israeli-Gaza border, saying the conflict there "does not spare the defenceless". The pope made his appeal in his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to tens of thousands of people in the flower-bedecked square below where he earlier celebrated a Mass, news agency Reuters reported. According to Reuters, the pontiff appeared to refer directly to the Gaza violence last Friday (March 30), calling for a reconciliation in the Holy Land where an ongoing conflict "does not spare the defenceless". Francis also appealed for an end to the "carnage" in Syria, calling for humanitarian aid to be allowed to enter, and for peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics also begged for peace for the entire world, in particular for Syria, hoping that the light of the risen Christ could illumine the consciences of all political and military leaders in order to end the conflict. He spoke a day after the Syrian army command said it had regained most of the towns and villages in eastern Ghouta. Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated once-bustling towns in the suburbs east of the capital, which had nearly 2 million people before the start of the conflict and were major commercial and industrial hubs. The pope called also for international assistance for Venezuela, so that more people would not have to abandon their homeland because of the economic and political crisis. Speaking about the ongoing situation in Korean peninsula, the pontiff said that he is hoping that "fruits of dialogue" would advance peace and harmony in a region where the two sides are set to hold their first summit in more than a decade on April 27, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearisation. Francis celebrated his sixth Easter as Roman Catholic leader since his election in 2013 and urged his listeners to work for an end to the acts of injustice in the world. ×

'Defenceless' being killed in Holy Land: Pope's Easter address after Gaza violence

Pope Francis today said he was "ashamed" that younger generations would inherit a world "fractured by divisions and wars".

Speaking in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession, the pontiff said the world was "devoured by egotism in which the young, the sick, the old are marginalised".

Amid tight security, around 20,000 faithful, many holding candles, gathered around Rome's Colosseum for the religious ritual that evokes the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion.

The Italian capital has been put under tight surveillance following a week marked by a series of anti-terror arrests.

Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned this week of the high risk of an attack in Italy, and some 10,000 officers have been deployed to guarantee safety in Rome, in particular during the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope this weekend culminating with the Easter day celebrations on Sunday.&nbsp

Pope spoke in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession

Pope Francis today said he was "ashamed" that younger generations would inherit a world "fractured by divisions and wars". Speaking in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession, the pontiff said the world was "devoured by egotism in which the young, the sick, the old are marginalised". Amid tight security, around 20,000 faithful, many holding candles, gathered around Rome's Colosseum for the religious ritual that evokes the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. The Italian capital has been put under tight surveillance following a week marked by a series of anti-terror arrests. Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned this week of the high risk of an attack in Italy, and some 10,000 officers have been deployed to guarantee safety in Rome, in particular during the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope this weekend culminating with the Easter day celebrations on Sunday.

Pope 'ashamed' young to inherit fractured world

Pope Francis joked today that he is on the &quot;waiting list&quot; for sainthood, along with his retired predecessor Benedict XVI.

Pope Paul VI, a great reformer of the Roman Catholic church who died in 1978, will be made a saint this year, Francis said during a meeting with clergy in Rome.

&quot;As for Benedict XVI and myself, we&#39;re on the waiting list,&quot; the Argentinian pontiff said.

Those who have already left that waiting room include Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, already both saints.

Turning his attention back to more temporal matters, the 81-year-old pope admitted that he struggles with modern technology.

&quot;I don&#39;t know how to use online networks and that kind of thing, not even mobile phones, I don&#39;t have one,&quot; he told his audience.

&quot;I don&#39;t know how to use the internet. When I have to send an email I write it by hand and a secretary sends it for me,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pope Paul VI, a great reformer of the Roman Catholic church who died in 1978, will be made a saint this year, Pope Francis said during a meeting with clergy in Rome

Pope Francis joked today that he is on the "waiting list" for sainthood, along with his retired predecessor Benedict XVI. Pope Paul VI, a great reformer of the Roman Catholic church who died in 1978, will be made a saint this year, Francis said during a meeting with clergy in Rome. "As for Benedict XVI and myself, we're on the waiting list," the Argentinian pontiff said. Those who have already left that waiting room include Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, already both saints. Turning his attention back to more temporal matters, the 81-year-old pope admitted that he struggles with modern technology. "I don't know how to use online networks and that kind of thing, not even mobile phones, I don't have one," he told his audience. "I don't know how to use the internet. When I have to send an email I write it by hand and a secretary sends it for me," he added.

Pope says he's on sainthood 'waiting list'

Pope Francis renewed a commission on clergy sexual abuse on Saturday, confirming a U.S. cardinal as its head, as the Vatican promised to give victims a greater say in its work.

The renewal of the commission and the confirmation of Cardinal Sean O`Malley of Boston as its head comes as the pope is dealing with an abuse scandal in Chile that has created one of the greatest image crises of his papacy, which marks its fifth anniversary next month.[L8N1Q56UY].

The first, three-year mandate of the commission ended in December and its future had been uncertain.

Its first term was marred by two high-profile resignations, that of Marie Collins of Ireland and Peter Saunders of Britain. Both were victims of clergy sexual abuse when they were young and both stepped down in what they said was frustration over lack of change and insufficient cooperation by top Vatican officials.

A Vatican statement said victims of sexual abuse were among the members but that it was up to them to decide to disclose this outside the 16-member international commission, made up of nine new members and seven returning ones.

It said plans were at an advanced stage to create a group made up of victims of sexual abuse known as the International Survivor Advisory Panel (ISAP) to offer consultation on &quot;abuse prevention from the survivor`s perspective&quot;.

Protect minors

The mandate of the commission, which includes lay academics and psychologists, priests and nuns, is to promote best practice initiatives and educational programmes to protect minors and vulnerable adults in local Catholic institutions around the world.

Its experts come from the United States, Britain, Australia, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Tonga, Germany, Brazil, Poland, South Africa, the Philippines, and Zambia. Ten are non-clerics and eight are women, including three nuns.

Francis has been under fire for remarks he made last month in Chile.

He initially said accusations against a Chilean bishop were &quot;slander&quot; and told reporters the Vatican had received no concrete evidence against him.

But days later, he appointed the Church`s most experienced sexual abuse investigator to look into the accusations that Bishop Juan Barros had covered up crimes against minors.

The investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, starts his work in New York on Saturday when he is due to meet Juan Carlos Cruz, who says he was sexually abused when he was a teenager in Chile by a priest called Fernando Karadima.

Karadima was found guilty in a Vatican investigation in 2011 of abusing teenage boys over many years. Karadima denies the allegations and Barros denied accusations that he witnessed Karadima carrying out the abuse.

&nbsp;

Pope Francis has been under fire for remarks he made last month in Chile

Pope Francis renewed a commission on clergy sexual abuse on Saturday, confirming a U.S. cardinal as its head, as the Vatican promised to give victims a greater say in its work. The renewal of the commission and the confirmation of Cardinal Sean O`Malley of Boston as its head comes as the pope is dealing with an abuse scandal in Chile that has created one of the greatest image crises of his papacy, which marks its fifth anniversary next month.[L8N1Q56UY]. The first, three-year mandate of the commission ended in December and its future had been uncertain. Its first term was marred by two high-profile resignations, that of Marie Collins of Ireland and Peter Saunders of Britain. Both were victims of clergy sexual abuse when they were young and both stepped down in what they said was frustration over lack of change and insufficient cooperation by top Vatican officials. A Vatican statement said victims of sexual abuse were among the members but that it was up to them to decide to disclose this outside the 16-member international commission, made up of nine new members and seven returning ones. It said plans were at an advanced stage to create a group made up of victims of sexual abuse known as the International Survivor Advisory Panel (ISAP) to offer consultation on "abuse prevention from the survivor`s perspective". Protect minors The mandate of the commission, which includes lay academics and psychologists, priests and nuns, is to promote best practice initiatives and educational programmes to protect minors and vulnerable adults in local Catholic institutions around the world. Its experts come from the United States, Britain, Australia, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Tonga, Germany, Brazil, Poland, South Africa, the Philippines, and Zambia. Ten are non-clerics and eight are women, including three nuns. Francis has been under fire for remarks he made last month in Chile. He initially said accusations against a Chilean bishop were "slander" and told reporters the Vatican had received no concrete evidence against him. But days later, he appointed the Church`s most experienced sexual abuse investigator to look into the accusations that Bishop Juan Barros had covered up crimes against minors. The investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, starts his work in New York on Saturday when he is due to meet Juan Carlos Cruz, who says he was sexually abused when he was a teenager in Chile by a priest called Fernando Karadima. Karadima was found guilty in a Vatican investigation in 2011 of abusing teenage boys over many years. Karadima denies the allegations and Barros denied accusations that he witnessed Karadima carrying out the abuse.

Pope renews commission on sexual abuse, Vatican promises victims more say

As the annual mega event hosted by the World Economic Forum begins at Davos, Pope&#39;s welcoming words added charm to the beginning of the event.&nbsp;

Pope&#39;s speech was read at Davos by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The speech was addressed to Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum where Pope Francis thanked him for &quot;an invitation to participate in the World Economic Forum 2018 and for his desire to include the perspective of the Catholic Church and the Holy See at the meeting in Davos.&quot;

The Pope called this year&#39;s theme -- &nbsp;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World -- &quot;very timely&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;At the level of global governance, we are increasingly aware that there is a growing fragmentation between States and Institutions,&quot; the speech noted.

In his speech, the Pope identified the emergence of &quot;economic competition and regional trade agreements&quot;, &quot;transforming economic models&quot;, better technology and an increase in &quot;fragmentation and in individualism&quot;.

Financial instabilities are triggering unemployment, Cardinal Peter Kodwo read out.&nbsp;

&quot;Only through a firm resolve shared by all economic actors may we hope to give a new direction to the destiny of our world,&quot; opined Pope Francis.&nbsp;

In his speech, the Pope also brought in topics like artificial intelligence, robotics and technological innovations, identifying these significant &quot;to the service of humanity and to the protection of our common home, rather than to the contrary, as some assessments unfortunately foresee.&quot;

He noted the moment to be right &quot;to put into action our responsibility to contribute to the development of humanity.&quot;

&quot;I hope, therefore, that this 2018 meeting of the World Economic Forum will allow an open, free, and respectful exchange, and be inspired above all else by the desire to advance the common good. In renewing my best wishes for the success of the meeting, I willingly invoke upon you and all participating in the Forum the divine blessings of wisdom and strength,&quot; the speech concluded.&nbsp;

The full text of Pope Francis&#39; speech was prepared on 12th January 2018 and was read out by Cardinal Peter Kodwo yesterday at the event. The entire text is also available on the official website, World Economic Forum.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pope called this year's theme -- Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World -- "very timely"

As the annual mega event hosted by the World Economic Forum begins at Davos, Pope's welcoming words added charm to the beginning of the event. Pope's speech was read at Davos by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. The speech was addressed to Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum where Pope Francis thanked him for "an invitation to participate in the World Economic Forum 2018 and for his desire to include the perspective of the Catholic Church and the Holy See at the meeting in Davos." The Pope called this year's theme -- Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World -- "very timely". "At the level of global governance, we are increasingly aware that there is a growing fragmentation between States and Institutions," the speech noted. In his speech, the Pope identified the emergence of "economic competition and regional trade agreements", "transforming economic models", better technology and an increase in "fragmentation and in individualism". Financial instabilities are triggering unemployment, Cardinal Peter Kodwo read out. "Only through a firm resolve shared by all economic actors may we hope to give a new direction to the destiny of our world," opined Pope Francis. In his speech, the Pope also brought in topics like artificial intelligence, robotics and technological innovations, identifying these significant "to the service of humanity and to the protection of our common home, rather than to the contrary, as some assessments unfortunately foresee." He noted the moment to be right "to put into action our responsibility to contribute to the development of humanity." "I hope, therefore, that this 2018 meeting of the World Economic Forum will allow an open, free, and respectful exchange, and be inspired above all else by the desire to advance the common good. In renewing my best wishes for the success of the meeting, I willingly invoke upon you and all participating in the Forum the divine blessings of wisdom and strength," the speech concluded. The full text of Pope Francis' speech was prepared on 12th January 2018 and was read out by Cardinal Peter Kodwo yesterday at the event. The entire text is also available on the official website, World Economic Forum.

Firm economic resolve will give new direction to our world: Pope Francis to Davos 2018

Pope Francis said on Monday he was really afraid about the danger of nuclear war and that the world now stood at &quot;the very limit&quot;.

His comment, made as he flew off for a visit to Chile and Peru, came after Hawaii issued a false missile alert that provoked panic in the U.S. state and highlighted the risk of possible unintended nuclear war with North Korea.

Asked if he was worried about the possibility of nuclear war, Pope Francis said: &quot;I think we are at the very limit. I am really afraid of this. One accident is enough to precipitate things.&quot;

He did not mention Hawaii or North Korea.

Pope Francis has often flagged the danger of nuclear warfare and in November he appeared to harden the Catholic Church&rsquo;s teaching against nuclear weapons, saying countries should not stockpile them even for the purpose of deterrence.

As reporters boarded his plane bound for Chile, Vatican officials handed out a photograph taken in 1945 that shows a young Japanese boy carrying his dead brother on his shoulders following the U.S. nuclear attack on Nagasaki.

&quot;I was moved when I saw this. The only thing I could think of adding were the words &#39;the fruit of war&#39;,&quot; Francis said, referring to a caption put on the back of the image.

&quot;I wanted to have it reprinted and distributed because an image like this can be more moving than a thousand words. That is why I wanted to share it with you,&quot; he said.

His comment, made as he flew off for a visit to Chile and Peru, came after Hawaii issued a false missile alert that provoked panic in the U.S. state and highlighted the risk of possible unintended nuclear war with North Korea.

Pope Francis said on Monday he was really afraid about the danger of nuclear war and that the world now stood at "the very limit". His comment, made as he flew off for a visit to Chile and Peru, came after Hawaii issued a false missile alert that provoked panic in the U.S. state and highlighted the risk of possible unintended nuclear war with North Korea. Asked if he was worried about the possibility of nuclear war, Pope Francis said: "I think we are at the very limit. I am really afraid of this. One accident is enough to precipitate things." He did not mention Hawaii or North Korea. Pope Francis has often flagged the danger of nuclear warfare and in November he appeared to harden the Catholic Church’s teaching against nuclear weapons, saying countries should not stockpile them even for the purpose of deterrence. As reporters boarded his plane bound for Chile, Vatican officials handed out a photograph taken in 1945 that shows a young Japanese boy carrying his dead brother on his shoulders following the U.S. nuclear attack on Nagasaki. "I was moved when I saw this. The only thing I could think of adding were the words 'the fruit of war'," Francis said, referring to a caption put on the back of the image. "I wanted to have it reprinted and distributed because an image like this can be more moving than a thousand words. That is why I wanted to share it with you," he said.

Pope warns world is one step away from nuclear war

Pope Francis called Sunday for hospitality towards migrants, calling it a &quot;sin&quot; to give in to fear of the other as he marked the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

&quot;It is not easy... to put oneself in the shoes of people so different from us,&quot; the pontiff said during a solemn mass at St Peter&#39;s Basilica.

&quot;Local communities are sometimes afraid that the newly arrived will disturb the established order, will &#39;steal&#39; something they have long laboured to build up,&quot; Francis said.

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While such fears are not a sin, said the spiritual leader of the world&#39;s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics, &quot;the sin is to refuse to encounter the other, the different, the neighbour.&quot;

&quot;The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection,&quot; Francis said, adding: &quot;We often refuse to encounter the other and raise barriers to defend ourselves.&quot;

The 81-year-old pontiff, himself the son of immigrants to Italy from Argentina, has championed the cause of migrants and asylum seekers since his election in 2013.

His first official trip outside Rome was to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, which was at the time the first point of arrival in Europe for thousands of migrants.

In April 2016, Francis visited the Greek island of Lesbos, a main entry point to Greece for migrants travelling from the Turkish coast, and returned home with three families of Syrian refugees aboard the papal plane.

&quot;Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age,&quot; Francis said Sunday.&nbsp;

On Monday Francis will begin an eight-day tour of his native South America, visiting Peru and Chile.

Francis called for hospitality towards migrants, calling it a 'sin' to give in to fear of the other

Pope Francis called Sunday for hospitality towards migrants, calling it a "sin" to give in to fear of the other as he marked the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. "It is not easy... to put oneself in the shoes of people so different from us," the pontiff said during a solemn mass at St Peter's Basilica. "Local communities are sometimes afraid that the newly arrived will disturb the established order, will 'steal' something they have long laboured to build up," Francis said. While such fears are not a sin, said the spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics, 'the sin is to refuse to encounter the other, the different, the neighbour' × While such fears are not a sin, said the spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics, "the sin is to refuse to encounter the other, the different, the neighbour." "The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection," Francis said, adding: "We often refuse to encounter the other and raise barriers to defend ourselves." The 81-year-old pontiff, himself the son of immigrants to Italy from Argentina, has championed the cause of migrants and asylum seekers since his election in 2013. His first official trip outside Rome was to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, which was at the time the first point of arrival in Europe for thousands of migrants. In April 2016, Francis visited the Greek island of Lesbos, a main entry point to Greece for migrants travelling from the Turkish coast, and returned home with three families of Syrian refugees aboard the papal plane. "Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age," Francis said Sunday. On Monday Francis will begin an eight-day tour of his native South America, visiting Peru and Chile.

Do not fear the other, pope says on World Migrant Day

Pope Francis, in his annual &quot;state of the world&quot; address called on Monday for all nations to support dialogue to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and to work for a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

In the speech, Francis also repeated his call for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians and respect for the &quot;status quo&quot; of Jerusalem following US.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump`s decision to recognize the city as Israel`s capital.&nbsp;

&quot;It is of paramount importance to support every effort at the dialogue on the Korean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world,&quot; Francis said.&nbsp;

The pope addressed envoys from more than 180 countries a day before North Korea and South Korea are due to hold talks expected to address North Korea&#39;s participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which some diplomats see as a possible opening for discussions on other topics such as humanitarian issues and divided families.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, asserted that he had a nuclear button at the ready, Trump tweeted that the US button was bigger and more powerful.&nbsp;

&quot;Nuclear weapons must be banned,&quot; Francis said, quoting a document issued by Pope John XXIII at the height of the Cold War and adding that there is &quot;no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance&quot;.&nbsp;

Noting that the Holy See was among 122 states that last year agreed a United Nations treaty to ban nuclear weapons, he called for a &quot;serene and wide-ranging debate&quot; on disarmament.&nbsp;

The United States, Britain, France and others boycotted the talks that led to the treaty, instead pledging commitment to a decades-old Non-Proliferation Treaty.&nbsp;

At the individual greetings after the speech, Francis spent more time chatting with South Korea`s envoy, Jonghyun Jeong, than with most other diplomats.&nbsp;

Washington&#39;s new ambassador to the Vatican, Callista Gingrich, attended along with her husband, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich.&nbsp;

Addressing climate change, Francis called for a &quot;united effort&quot; to remain committed to the 2015 Paris accord on reducing carbon emissions. French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to breathe new life into the agreement after Trump announced that the United States would withdraw.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Francis, who has made the defence of migrants and refugees a major plank of his pontificate, warned against &quot;stirring up primal fears&quot; of newcomers.&nbsp;

&quot;There is a need, then, to abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Migration has become a top political issue in countries including the United States, Italy and Germany.

At the individual greetings after the speech, Francis spent more time chatting with South Korea`s envoy, Jonghyun Jeong, than with most other diplomats.

Pope Francis, in his annual "state of the world" address called on Monday for all nations to support dialogue to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and to work for a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons. In the speech, Francis also repeated his call for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians and respect for the "status quo" of Jerusalem following US. President Donald Trump`s decision to recognize the city as Israel`s capital. "It is of paramount importance to support every effort at the dialogue on the Korean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the entire world," Francis said. The pope addressed envoys from more than 180 countries a day before North Korea and South Korea are due to hold talks expected to address North Korea's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which some diplomats see as a possible opening for discussions on other topics such as humanitarian issues and divided families. Earlier this month, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, asserted that he had a nuclear button at the ready, Trump tweeted that the US button was bigger and more powerful. "Nuclear weapons must be banned," Francis said, quoting a document issued by Pope John XXIII at the height of the Cold War and adding that there is "no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance". Noting that the Holy See was among 122 states that last year agreed a United Nations treaty to ban nuclear weapons, he called for a "serene and wide-ranging debate" on disarmament. The United States, Britain, France and others boycotted the talks that led to the treaty, instead pledging commitment to a decades-old Non-Proliferation Treaty. At the individual greetings after the speech, Francis spent more time chatting with South Korea`s envoy, Jonghyun Jeong, than with most other diplomats. Washington's new ambassador to the Vatican, Callista Gingrich, attended along with her husband, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich. Addressing climate change, Francis called for a "united effort" to remain committed to the 2015 Paris accord on reducing carbon emissions. French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to breathe new life into the agreement after Trump announced that the United States would withdraw. Francis, who has made the defence of migrants and refugees a major plank of his pontificate, warned against "stirring up primal fears" of newcomers. "There is a need, then, to abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons," he said. Migration has become a top political issue in countries including the United States, Italy and Germany.

In 'State of World' speech, Pope urges dialogue in Korea, nuclear ban

Pope Francis in his year-end message said that 2017 had been marred by war, lies and injustice, and he urged people to take responsibility for their actions.

At his last public event of the year, an evening vespers service in St. Peter&#39;s Basilica, the pontiff said that humanity had &quot;wasted and wounded&quot; the year &quot;in many ways with works of death, with lies and injustices&quot;.

While war was the most obvious sign of &quot;unrepentant and absurd pride&quot;, many other transgressions had caused &quot;human, social and environmental degradation&quot;.

&quot;We must take responsibility for everything before God, our brothers and our creation,&quot; he said.

While the pope did not mention any specific events from 2017, he had made his voice heard on many of the world&#39;s biggest issues over the course of the year.

In April, Francis condemned the &quot;unacceptable massacre&quot; of innocent civilians in a chemical weapons attack in Syria. Just a month ago, he visited Myanmar, where more than 600,000 Muslim Rohingya people have been forced from their homes and into neighbouring Bangladesh, speaking with authorities in an attempt to mitigate the crisis.

The pope also sought to encourage peace in Colombia during a trip in September and lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump to address climate change issues in May. Amid heightening tensions between North Korea and the West, Francis expressed concern about nuclear arsenals.

At the end of the service, Francis walked across St. Peter&#39;s Square, stopping to shake hands and pose for pictures, as he paid a brief visit to the life-size nativity set up outside.

On January 1, the leader of the world&#39;s 1.2 billion Catholics will say a Mass to mark the Church&#39;s World Day of Peace.

At his last public event of the year, an evening vespers service in St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff said that humanity had "wasted and wounded" the year "in many ways with works of death, with lies and injustices".

Pope Francis in his year-end message said that 2017 had been marred by war, lies and injustice, and he urged people to take responsibility for their actions. At his last public event of the year, an evening vespers service in St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff said that humanity had "wasted and wounded" the year "in many ways with works of death, with lies and injustices". While war was the most obvious sign of "unrepentant and absurd pride", many other transgressions had caused "human, social and environmental degradation". "We must take responsibility for everything before God, our brothers and our creation," he said. While the pope did not mention any specific events from 2017, he had made his voice heard on many of the world's biggest issues over the course of the year. In April, Francis condemned the "unacceptable massacre" of innocent civilians in a chemical weapons attack in Syria. Just a month ago, he visited Myanmar, where more than 600,000 Muslim Rohingya people have been forced from their homes and into neighbouring Bangladesh, speaking with authorities in an attempt to mitigate the crisis. The pope also sought to encourage peace in Colombia during a trip in September and lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump to address climate change issues in May. Amid heightening tensions between North Korea and the West, Francis expressed concern about nuclear arsenals. At the end of the service, Francis walked across St. Peter's Square, stopping to shake hands and pose for pictures, as he paid a brief visit to the life-size nativity set up outside. On January 1, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics will say a Mass to mark the Church's World Day of Peace.

Pope, in year-end message, says 2017 was marred by war and lies

Pope Francis described migrants and refugees as the world&#39;s &quot;weakest and most needy&quot; on Monday, using his traditional New Year&#39;s address to &quot;give voice&quot; to people he has urged leaders to do more to help.

Francis reminded some 40,000 people who gathered in St. Peter&#39;s Square at the Vatican that he had chosen the plight of migrants and refugees as the theme for the Roman Catholic Church&#39;s World Day of Peace, which is celebrated every January 1.

&quot;For this peace, to which everyone has a right, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering.&quot;

&quot;Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!&quot;

Across the world, the mass movement of people has shot to the top of the political agenda, and Francis has made defending those who migrate a central theme of his papacy.

During a trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh last year, he met Muslim refugees and called for decisive measures to solve the political problems that caused many to flee.

He has also criticised President Donald Trump&#39;s stated intention to build a wall along the US&nbsp;border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants.

In a homily earlier on Monday, Francis said everyone should look after their soul by taking a moment of silence every day, &quot;to keep our freedom from being corroded by the banality of consumerism, the blare of commercials, the stream of empty words and the overpowering waves of empty chatter and loud shouting&quot;.

In a message released in November ahead of the World Day of Peace, Francis said politicians who stoke fear of migrants were sowing violence and racism. He acknowledged that the presence of immigrants can compound existing problems in a country, but appealed for practical ways to be found to welcome newcomers.

On Monday, he said: &quot;It is important that there is a commitment from everyone, from civil institutions, and those in education, welfare and church organisations, to ensure a peaceful future for refugees, migrants, everyone.&quot;

Pope Francis described migrants and refugees as the world's "weakest and most needy" on Monday, using his traditional New Year's address to 'give voice' to people he has urged leaders to do more to help

Pope Francis described migrants and refugees as the world's "weakest and most needy" on Monday, using his traditional New Year's address to "give voice" to people he has urged leaders to do more to help. Francis reminded some 40,000 people who gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican that he had chosen the plight of migrants and refugees as the theme for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, which is celebrated every January 1. "For this peace, to which everyone has a right, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering." "Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!" Across the world, the mass movement of people has shot to the top of the political agenda, and Francis has made defending those who migrate a central theme of his papacy. During a trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh last year, he met Muslim refugees and called for decisive measures to solve the political problems that caused many to flee. He has also criticised President Donald Trump's stated intention to build a wall along the US border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. In a homily earlier on Monday, Francis said everyone should look after their soul by taking a moment of silence every day, "to keep our freedom from being corroded by the banality of consumerism, the blare of commercials, the stream of empty words and the overpowering waves of empty chatter and loud shouting". In a message released in November ahead of the World Day of Peace, Francis said politicians who stoke fear of migrants were sowing violence and racism. He acknowledged that the presence of immigrants can compound existing problems in a country, but appealed for practical ways to be found to welcome newcomers. On Monday, he said: "It is important that there is a commitment from everyone, from civil institutions, and those in education, welfare and church organisations, to ensure a peaceful future for refugees, migrants, everyone."

Don't extinguish migrants' hopes, Pope says on World Day of Peace

A topless activist from the feminist group Femen tried to snatch the statue of the baby Jesus from the Nativity scene in St Peter&#39;s Square on Monday but was stopped by police as she grabbed it.

A Reuters photographer said the woman jumped over guard rails and rushed onto the larger-than-life Nativity scene shouting &quot;God is woman&quot;. She had the same slogan painted on her bare back.

A Vatican gendarme stopped her from taking the statue and she was detained. The incident happened about two hours before Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message to some 50,000 people in the square.

The group&#39;s website identified her as Alisa Vinogradova and called her a &quot;sextremist&quot;. It says the goal of the group, which was founded in Ukraine, is &quot;complete victory over patriarchy&quot;.

A Femen activist staged a similar action on Christmas Day 2014 but managed to take the statue out of the crib before she was arrested.

A Vatican gendarme stopped her from taking the statue and she was detained. The incident happened about two hours before Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message to some 50,000 people in the square.

A topless activist from the feminist group Femen tried to snatch the statue of the baby Jesus from the Nativity scene in St Peter's Square on Monday but was stopped by police as she grabbed it. A Reuters photographer said the woman jumped over guard rails and rushed onto the larger-than-life Nativity scene shouting "God is woman". She had the same slogan painted on her bare back. A Vatican gendarme stopped her from taking the statue and she was detained. The incident happened about two hours before Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message to some 50,000 people in the square. The group's website identified her as Alisa Vinogradova and called her a "sextremist". It says the goal of the group, which was founded in Ukraine, is "complete victory over patriarchy". A Femen activist staged a similar action on Christmas Day 2014 but managed to take the statue out of the crib before she was arrested.

Topless Femen activist tries to snatch Jesus statue from Vatican crib

Pope Francis used his Christmas message on Monday to call for a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after US President Donald Trump stoked regional tensions with his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

&quot;Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders,&quot; Francis said.

It was the second time that the pope has spoken out publicly about Jerusalem since Trump&#39;s decision on December 6. On that day, Francis called for the city&#39;s &quot;status quo&quot; to be respected, lest new tensions in the Middle East further inflame world conflicts.

It was the second time that the pope has spoken out publicly about Jerusalem since Trump's decision on December 6.

Pope Francis used his Christmas message on Monday to call for a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after US President Donald Trump stoked regional tensions with his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. "Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders," Francis said. It was the second time that the pope has spoken out publicly about Jerusalem since Trump's decision on December 6. On that day, Francis called for the city's "status quo" to be respected, lest new tensions in the Middle East further inflame world conflicts.

Mideast needs two-state solution, Pope says in Christmas message

Pope Francis on Sunday renewed a call for &quot;wisdom and prudence&quot; over US President Donald Trump&#39;s controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, which has sparked protests and clashes.

&quot;The Holy Father renews his appeal for the wisdom and prudence of everyone, and raises fervent prayers so that the leaders of nations, in this time of special gravity, commit themselves to avert a new spiral of violence,&quot; a statement from the Vatican said.

There were fresh protests in the Middle East and elsewhere Sunday over Trump&#39;s declaration, a move that drew global condemnation and sparked days of unrest in the Palestinian territories.

Noting that Jerusalem was sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, the pope reiterated the church&#39;s &quot;well-known position concerning the singular character of the Holy City and the essential need for respecting the status quo&quot;.

&quot;At the same time the Holy See reiterates its own conviction that only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians can bring a stable and lasting peace, and guarantee the peaceful co-existence of two states within internationally recognised borders,&quot; the statement added.

'The Holy Father... raises fervent prayers so that the leaders of nations, in this time of special gravity, commit themselves to avert a new spiral of violence,' a statement from the Vatican said

Pope Francis on Sunday renewed a call for "wisdom and prudence" over US President Donald Trump's controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, which has sparked protests and clashes. "The Holy Father renews his appeal for the wisdom and prudence of everyone, and raises fervent prayers so that the leaders of nations, in this time of special gravity, commit themselves to avert a new spiral of violence," a statement from the Vatican said. There were fresh protests in the Middle East and elsewhere Sunday over Trump's declaration, a move that drew global condemnation and sparked days of unrest in the Palestinian territories. Noting that Jerusalem was sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, the pope reiterated the church's "well-known position concerning the singular character of the Holy City and the essential need for respecting the status quo". "At the same time the Holy See reiterates its own conviction that only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians can bring a stable and lasting peace, and guarantee the peaceful co-existence of two states within internationally recognised borders," the statement added.

Pope renews call for 'wisdom and prudence' over Jerusalem

Pope Francis&#39;s embrace of the Rohingya during a trip to Bangladesh has sparked some angry comment on social media in Myanmar, where just days earlier he chose not to publicly air their plight.

On Friday the head of the Catholic church met a group of refugees from Myanmar&#39;s stateless Muslim minority in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.&nbsp;

He referred to them as &quot;Rohingya&quot; - a term unacceptable to many in Myanmar where they are reviled as alleged &quot;Bengali&quot; illegal immigrants rather than as a distinct ethnic group.

During his public addresses on the previous leg of his trip in mainly Buddhist Myanmar, Francis did not refer to the group by name or directly allude to the crisis in Rakhine state, from where over 620,000 Rohingya have fled since August.

His caution initially won applause from Myanmar&#39;s tiny Catholic minority - who feared a nationalist blowback - as well as from Buddhist hardliners, who are on the defensive after a global outcry about the treatment of the group.

A deadly attack by Rohingya militants on police posts in late August sparked a ferocious crackdown in Rakhine by the Myanmar military, which the US and UN describe as ethnic cleansing.

As he arrived back at the Vatican, the pontiff said he had taken up the Rohingya cause in private in Myanmar, also describing how he wept after meeting the group of refugees.

&quot;I wept: I tried to do it in a way that it couldn&#39;t be seen,&quot; he told reporters. &quot;They wept too.&quot;

The comments sparked a flurry of online anger in Myanmar, a country locked off from modern communications for five decades but which now has an active social media.

&quot;He is like a lizard whose colour has changed because of weather,&quot; said Facebook user Aung Soe Lin of the pope&#39;s strikingly different stances on the crisis.&nbsp;

&quot;He should be a salesman or broker for using different words even though he is a religious leader,&quot; said another Facebook user called Soe Soe.

Myanmar&#39;s Catholic church had advised Francis not to stray into the incendiary issue of the status of the Rohingya in Myanmar, in case he worsened tensions and endangered Christians.

In his public addresses he treaded softly on the topic, urging unity, compassion and respect for all ethnic groups - but not naming the Rohingya.

&quot;The Pope is a holy person... but he said something here (in Myanmar) and he said different in another country,&quot; another Facebook user Ye Linn Maung posted. &quot;He should say the same things if he loves the truth.&quot;

Others were more sanguine about Francis&#39;&nbsp;choice of language once he had left Myanmar soil.

Maung Thway Chun, chairman of an unofficial party of nationalists called the 135 Patriots Party, applauded the pope&#39;s decision not to name them in Myanmar despite pressure from rights groups.

&quot;It means he respects Myanmar people,&quot; he said. &quot;He even did not use the word many times in Bangladesh... I think he said it once, just to comfort human rights organisations.&quot;

Pope Francis referred to the refugees as 'Rohingya' - a term unacceptable to many in Myanmar where they are reviled as alleged 'Bengali' illegal immigrants rather than as a distinct ethnic group

Pope Francis's embrace of the Rohingya during a trip to Bangladesh has sparked some angry comment on social media in Myanmar, where just days earlier he chose not to publicly air their plight. On Friday the head of the Catholic church met a group of refugees from Myanmar's stateless Muslim minority in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. He referred to them as "Rohingya" - a term unacceptable to many in Myanmar where they are reviled as alleged "Bengali" illegal immigrants rather than as a distinct ethnic group. During his public addresses on the previous leg of his trip in mainly Buddhist Myanmar, Francis did not refer to the group by name or directly allude to the crisis in Rakhine state, from where over 620,000 Rohingya have fled since August. His caution initially won applause from Myanmar's tiny Catholic minority - who feared a nationalist blowback - as well as from Buddhist hardliners, who are on the defensive after a global outcry about the treatment of the group. A deadly attack by Rohingya militants on police posts in late August sparked a ferocious crackdown in Rakhine by the Myanmar military, which the US and UN describe as ethnic cleansing. As he arrived back at the Vatican, the pontiff said he had taken up the Rohingya cause in private in Myanmar, also describing how he wept after meeting the group of refugees. "I wept: I tried to do it in a way that it couldn't be seen," he told reporters. "They wept too." The comments sparked a flurry of online anger in Myanmar, a country locked off from modern communications for five decades but which now has an active social media. "He is like a lizard whose colour has changed because of weather," said Facebook user Aung Soe Lin of the pope's strikingly different stances on the crisis. "He should be a salesman or broker for using different words even though he is a religious leader," said another Facebook user called Soe Soe. Myanmar's Catholic church had advised Francis not to stray into the incendiary issue of the status of the Rohingya in Myanmar, in case he worsened tensions and endangered Christians. In his public addresses he treaded softly on the topic, urging unity, compassion and respect for all ethnic groups - but not naming the Rohingya. "The Pope is a holy person... but he said something here (in Myanmar) and he said different in another country," another Facebook user Ye Linn Maung posted. "He should say the same things if he loves the truth." Others were more sanguine about Francis' choice of language once he had left Myanmar soil. Maung Thway Chun, chairman of an unofficial party of nationalists called the 135 Patriots Party, applauded the pope's decision not to name them in Myanmar despite pressure from rights groups. "It means he respects Myanmar people," he said. "He even did not use the word many times in Bangladesh... I think he said it once, just to comfort human rights organisations."

Myanmar social media anger after Pope says 'Rohingya'

Pope Francis has said he wept hearing the plight first-hand of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, adding that this meeting was a condition set for his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The Rohingya meeting was a highly symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Muslim minority fleeing violence in Myanmar, and the pontiff told journalists on his plane flying back to Rome that the refugees cried as well.

&quot;I knew that I was going to meet the Rohingyas but I did not know where and how, for me it was one of the conditions of the trip,&quot; he said. 
 
The usually forthright pontiff walked a diplomatic tightrope during his four days in Myanmar -- the first papal visit to the country -- avoiding any direct reference to the Rohingya in public while appealing to Buddhist leaders to overcome &quot;prejudice and hatred&quot;.

In Bangladesh he addressed the issue head-on, meeting a group of Rohingya refugees from the squalid camps in southern Bangladesh in an emotional encounter in Dhaka.

&quot;What Bangladesh has done for them is enormous, it&#39;s an example of welcome,&quot; he said.

&quot;I wept, I tried to do it in a way that it couldn&#39;t be seen,&quot; he said. &quot;They wept too.&quot;

&quot;I told myself &#39;I cannot leave without saying a word to them&#39;&quot;.

The pope told the Rohingya: &quot;In the name of all those who have persecuted you, who have harmed you, in the face of the world&#39;s indifference, I ask for your forgiveness.&quot;

The pope referred to the refugees as Rohingya, using the term for the first time on the tour in Bangladesh after the archbishop of Yangon advised him that doing so in Myanmar could inflame tensions and endanger Christians.

The word is politically sensitive in mainly Buddhist Myanmar because many there do not consider the Rohingya a distinct ethnic group, regarding them instead as interlopers from Bangladesh.

&quot;If I had used the word during an official speech I would have slammed the door,&quot; he said, adding: &quot;They already knew what I thought.&quot; 
 
&quot;For me the most important thing is that the message gets through,&quot; he added.

The pope said he was &quot;very satisfied&quot; with his meetings in Myanmar and hinted that he expressed his opinion far more freely in private conversations with the country&#39;s leaders than in his public appearances.

More than 620,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh since a militant attack on police posts in late August sparked a deadly crackdown by the Myanmar military.

They have given consistent accounts of mass rape, killings and villages deliberately burned to the ground by soldiers and Buddhist militia. 
 
The two countries last month signed an agreement to begin repatriating refugees to Myanmar, but rights groups say they are concerned about plans to house them in camps away from their former homes -- many of which have been destroyed.

During his tour, the pope led well-attended open-air masses in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which both have small Christian populations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis said this meeting was a condition set for his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh

Pope Francis has said he wept hearing the plight first-hand of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, adding that this meeting was a condition set for his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Rohingya meeting was a highly symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Muslim minority fleeing violence in Myanmar, and the pontiff told journalists on his plane flying back to Rome that the refugees cried as well. "I knew that I was going to meet the Rohingyas but I did not know where and how, for me it was one of the conditions of the trip," he said. The usually forthright pontiff walked a diplomatic tightrope during his four days in Myanmar -- the first papal visit to the country -- avoiding any direct reference to the Rohingya in public while appealing to Buddhist leaders to overcome "prejudice and hatred". In Bangladesh he addressed the issue head-on, meeting a group of Rohingya refugees from the squalid camps in southern Bangladesh in an emotional encounter in Dhaka. "What Bangladesh has done for them is enormous, it's an example of welcome," he said. "I wept, I tried to do it in a way that it couldn't be seen," he said. "They wept too." "I told myself 'I cannot leave without saying a word to them'". The pope told the Rohingya: "In the name of all those who have persecuted you, who have harmed you, in the face of the world's indifference, I ask for your forgiveness." The pope referred to the refugees as Rohingya, using the term for the first time on the tour in Bangladesh after the archbishop of Yangon advised him that doing so in Myanmar could inflame tensions and endanger Christians. The word is politically sensitive in mainly Buddhist Myanmar because many there do not consider the Rohingya a distinct ethnic group, regarding them instead as interlopers from Bangladesh. "If I had used the word during an official speech I would have slammed the door," he said, adding: "They already knew what I thought." "For me the most important thing is that the message gets through," he added. The pope said he was "very satisfied" with his meetings in Myanmar and hinted that he expressed his opinion far more freely in private conversations with the country's leaders than in his public appearances. More than 620,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh since a militant attack on police posts in late August sparked a deadly crackdown by the Myanmar military. They have given consistent accounts of mass rape, killings and villages deliberately burned to the ground by soldiers and Buddhist militia. The two countries last month signed an agreement to begin repatriating refugees to Myanmar, but rights groups say they are concerned about plans to house them in camps away from their former homes -- many of which have been destroyed. During his tour, the pope led well-attended open-air masses in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which both have small Christian populations.

Pope says he 'wept' while meeting Rohingya refugees

Pope Francis visited a home in Dhaka founded by Mother Teresa for orphans, unwed mothers and destitute elderly on Saturday as he wrapped up his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The pope, who leaves for Rome later on Saturday, was surrounded by children and nuns wearing the traditional blue-and-white habit of the woman who died in 1997 and became a saint in 2016.

Mother Teresa, who started the Missionaries of Charity to serve &quot;the poorest of the poor,&quot; opened the home in the early 1970s to look after Bengali women who became pregnant as a result of rape by Pakistani soldiers during the war of independence.

Today the home, in one of the world&#39;s poorest cities, looks after orphaned and abandoned children, unwed mothers and sick elderly people.

Francis, who has made outreach to the poor and other people on the margins of society a priority, visited some of the bed-ridden sick.

He later made an impromptu address to nuns and priests during which he praised Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim country where Catholics make up less than one percent of its around 169 million people, for having what he called some of the best inter-religious relations in the world.

Francis said he was very pleased by an inter-religious meeting on Friday night, where he held an emotional encounter with Muslim Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and then used the word Rohingya for the first time on his current trip, saying they had God within them and should be respected.

Previously, in Myanmar, he followed the advice of Myanmar Church officials who said his use of the word could prompt a backlash against Christians and hurt Myanmar&#39;s fragile path to democracy.

That had disappointed rights groups such as Amnesty International.

Predominantly Buddhist Myanmar does not recognise the stateless Rohingya as an ethnic group with its own identity.

At the Saturday morning meeting at the home founded by Mother Teresa, the pope urged the priests and nuns who live in communities to avoid gossip, calling it a form of &quot;terrorism,&quot; a comparison he has made often in the past while visiting religious communities.

His last event in Bangladesh will be a meeting with young people at a college founded by Catholic priests after the war of independence in the early 1970s left the new country with a dearth of places of higher education.

Pope Francis visited a home in Dhaka founded by Mother Teresa for orphans, unwed mothers and destitute elderly on Saturday as he wrapped up his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh

Pope Francis visited a home in Dhaka founded by Mother Teresa for orphans, unwed mothers and destitute elderly on Saturday as he wrapped up his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh. The pope, who leaves for Rome later on Saturday, was surrounded by children and nuns wearing the traditional blue-and-white habit of the woman who died in 1997 and became a saint in 2016. Mother Teresa, who started the Missionaries of Charity to serve "the poorest of the poor," opened the home in the early 1970s to look after Bengali women who became pregnant as a result of rape by Pakistani soldiers during the war of independence. Today the home, in one of the world's poorest cities, looks after orphaned and abandoned children, unwed mothers and sick elderly people. Francis, who has made outreach to the poor and other people on the margins of society a priority, visited some of the bed-ridden sick. He later made an impromptu address to nuns and priests during which he praised Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim country where Catholics make up less than one percent of its around 169 million people, for having what he called some of the best inter-religious relations in the world. Francis said he was very pleased by an inter-religious meeting on Friday night, where he held an emotional encounter with Muslim Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and then used the word Rohingya for the first time on his current trip, saying they had God within them and should be respected. Previously, in Myanmar, he followed the advice of Myanmar Church officials who said his use of the word could prompt a backlash against Christians and hurt Myanmar's fragile path to democracy. That had disappointed rights groups such as Amnesty International. Predominantly Buddhist Myanmar does not recognise the stateless Rohingya as an ethnic group with its own identity. At the Saturday morning meeting at the home founded by Mother Teresa, the pope urged the priests and nuns who live in communities to avoid gossip, calling it a form of "terrorism," a comparison he has made often in the past while visiting religious communities. His last event in Bangladesh will be a meeting with young people at a college founded by Catholic priests after the war of independence in the early 1970s left the new country with a dearth of places of higher education.

Pope visits Bangladesh orphans on last day of trip headlined by Rohingya crisis

Pope Francis will lead an open-air mass Friday for around 100,000 Catholics in Bangladesh, which is grappling with a rise in Islamist extremism and a massive influx of Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar.

The head of the Catholic Church will also meet refugees in Dhaka, a day after urging the world to take &quot;decisive measures&quot; to resolve a crisis that has forced more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh from neighbouring Myanmar.

Francis arrived Thursday from Myanmar, where he walked a diplomatic tightrope, &nbsp;staying away in public from allegations that the country&#39;s army is waging an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya despite pressure to confront the incendiary issue.

Shortly afterwards, he praised overcrowded and poor Bangladesh for giving refuge to the Rohingya refugees who have flooded in since a military crackdown in their native Rakhine state in August, and urged the world to help.

&quot;This has been done at no little sacrifice. It has also been done before the eyes of the whole world,&quot; he said, calling on other countries to offer &quot;immediate material assistance to Bangladesh in its effort to respond effectively to urgent human needs&quot;.

Francis is the first pope to visit mainly Muslim Bangladesh in more than three decades.

He is spending three days in the country of 160 million, where a rise in Islamist extremism has seen Catholics attacked for their faith.

Christians make up less than 0.5 per cent of Bangladesh&#39;s population and community leaders say some have left in recent years as it becomes more difficult to practise faith openly.

Since 2015 at least three Christians, including two converts from Islam, have been hacked to death in attacks blamed on Islamist militants.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pope-arrives-in-bangladesh-appeals-for-decisive-action-for-refugees-from-rakhine-state-25546">Pope arrives in Bangladesh, appeals for decisive action for &#39;refugees from Rakhine state&#39;</a>

Spread peace

Tens of thousands of Catholics have travelled to the capital hoping to catch a glimpse of the 80-year-old Argentine pontiff, who is to travel to the park for Friday&#39;s mass on a traditional cycle rickshaw.

He has established a reputation for his down-to-earth manner, vowing to stamp out extravagance among the clergy and bring the Catholic Church closer to the poor.

&quot;I have seen popes on television, but I have never seen them in person,&quot; said Abraham Dorez, 75, who lives in a village outside Dhaka.

&quot;I am an old man now. I hope he&#39;ll bless me and pray so that I can die in peace and go to heaven. I hope his prayers will spread peace all around the world.&quot;

Later the pope will hold a meeting with leaders of other faiths. Farid Uddin Masoud, a top Muslim cleric who will attend, said he hoped the pope would speak out for the Rohingya.

&quot;He is respected across the globe, not by Christians alone, for being a champion of the poor and oppressed people... So we will strongly expect him to speak for the oppressed Rohingya,&quot; he told AFP.

Pope Francis will also meet 16 Rohingya refugees who have travelled to the capital from their camp, among them two children.

Although the influx has slowed, hundreds of Rohingya refugees are still crossing the border into Bangladesh from Myanmar every day, the United Nations said this week.

Many have brought stories of horrific abuses at the hands of the Myanmar military and local Buddhist mobs, including rape, arson and murder. Myanmar regards them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and refuses them citizenship.

&quot;When I meet him, I would like to tell him about our plight, about how Myanmar&#39;s military tortured us, killed us, raped our women, about the kind of persecution we have been facing,&quot; 35-year-old refugee Abul Fayaz told AFP in Cox&#39;s Bazar where the camps are located.

&quot;We want him to help us get Rohingya citizenship, ensure our safety, help us move freely to wherever we want, whenever we want and most importantly, make a way so we can say our prayers with freedom like they (Buddhists) do.&quot;

Pope Francis will lead an open-air mass Friday for around 100,000 Catholics in Bangladesh, which is grappling with a rise in Islamist extremism and a massive influx of Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar

Pope Francis will lead an open-air mass Friday for around 100,000 Catholics in Bangladesh, which is grappling with a rise in Islamist extremism and a massive influx of Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar. The head of the Catholic Church will also meet refugees in Dhaka, a day after urging the world to take "decisive measures" to resolve a crisis that has forced more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh from neighbouring Myanmar. Francis arrived Thursday from Myanmar, where he walked a diplomatic tightrope, staying away in public from allegations that the country's army is waging an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya despite pressure to confront the incendiary issue. Shortly afterwards, he praised overcrowded and poor Bangladesh for giving refuge to the Rohingya refugees who have flooded in since a military crackdown in their native Rakhine state in August, and urged the world to help. "This has been done at no little sacrifice. It has also been done before the eyes of the whole world," he said, calling on other countries to offer "immediate material assistance to Bangladesh in its effort to respond effectively to urgent human needs". Francis is the first pope to visit mainly Muslim Bangladesh in more than three decades. He is spending three days in the country of 160 million, where a rise in Islamist extremism has seen Catholics attacked for their faith. Christians make up less than 0.5 per cent of Bangladesh's population and community leaders say some have left in recent years as it becomes more difficult to practise faith openly. Since 2015 at least three Christians, including two converts from Islam, have been hacked to death in attacks blamed on Islamist militants. Also read: Pope arrives in Bangladesh, appeals for decisive action for 'refugees from Rakhine state' Spread peace Tens of thousands of Catholics have travelled to the capital hoping to catch a glimpse of the 80-year-old Argentine pontiff, who is to travel to the park for Friday's mass on a traditional cycle rickshaw. He has established a reputation for his down-to-earth manner, vowing to stamp out extravagance among the clergy and bring the Catholic Church closer to the poor. "I have seen popes on television, but I have never seen them in person," said Abraham Dorez, 75, who lives in a village outside Dhaka. "I am an old man now. I hope he'll bless me and pray so that I can die in peace and go to heaven. I hope his prayers will spread peace all around the world." Later the pope will hold a meeting with leaders of other faiths. Farid Uddin Masoud, a top Muslim cleric who will attend, said he hoped the pope would speak out for the Rohingya. "He is respected across the globe, not by Christians alone, for being a champion of the poor and oppressed people... So we will strongly expect him to speak for the oppressed Rohingya," he told AFP. Pope Francis will also meet 16 Rohingya refugees who have travelled to the capital from their camp, among them two children. Although the influx has slowed, hundreds of Rohingya refugees are still crossing the border into Bangladesh from Myanmar every day, the United Nations said this week. Many have brought stories of horrific abuses at the hands of the Myanmar military and local Buddhist mobs, including rape, arson and murder. Myanmar regards them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and refuses them citizenship. "When I meet him, I would like to tell him about our plight, about how Myanmar's military tortured us, killed us, raped our women, about the kind of persecution we have been facing," 35-year-old refugee Abul Fayaz told AFP in Cox's Bazar where the camps are located. "We want him to help us get Rohingya citizenship, ensure our safety, help us move freely to wherever we want, whenever we want and most importantly, make a way so we can say our prayers with freedom like they (Buddhists) do."

Pope to lead huge mass for Bangladesh Catholics

Pope Francis landed in Bangladesh on Thursday after a diplomatically sensitive trip to mainly Buddhist Myanmar, where he made no direct reference to the plight of Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh in their hundreds of thousands.

The pope&rsquo;s trip to mostly Muslim Bangladesh is likely to less sensitive though his words will be closely watched following his decision not to use the word &ldquo;Rohingya&rdquo; in public during his four-day Myanmar trip to avoid a diplomatic incident with the country some have accused of ethnic cleansing.

On Friday, the pope is expected to meet a group of Rohingya refugees from among the roughly 625,000 who have fled to Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar since the end of August.

&ldquo;He did not even pronounce the word &lsquo;Rohingya&rsquo; in Myanmar,&rdquo; H.T. Imam, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&rsquo;s political adviser, told Reuters on Thursday.

&ldquo;Here we would be looking forward to what he says.&rdquo;

Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid welcomed the pope at Dhaka airport. Hamid and the pope were both due to make speeches later in the day and to raise the refugee crisis.

The Vatican on Wednesday said the pope&rsquo;s moral authority was unblemished by his failure to refer to the persecuted Myanmar Muslim minority by the name they chose to identify themselves by, and his mere presence drew attention to the refugee crisis.

Pope Francis's trip to mostly Muslim Bangladesh is likely to be less sensitive, though his words will be closely watched following his decision not to use the word 'Rohingya' in public during his four-day Myanmar trip to avoid a diplomatic incident in the country

Pope Francis landed in Bangladesh on Thursday after a diplomatically sensitive trip to mainly Buddhist Myanmar, where he made no direct reference to the plight of Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh in their hundreds of thousands. The pope’s trip to mostly Muslim Bangladesh is likely to less sensitive though his words will be closely watched following his decision not to use the word “Rohingya” in public during his four-day Myanmar trip to avoid a diplomatic incident with the country some have accused of ethnic cleansing. On Friday, the pope is expected to meet a group of Rohingya refugees from among the roughly 625,000 who have fled to Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar since the end of August. “He did not even pronounce the word ‘Rohingya’ in Myanmar,” H.T. Imam, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political adviser, told Reuters on Thursday. “Here we would be looking forward to what he says.” Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid welcomed the pope at Dhaka airport. Hamid and the pope were both due to make speeches later in the day and to raise the refugee crisis. The Vatican on Wednesday said the pope’s moral authority was unblemished by his failure to refer to the persecuted Myanmar Muslim minority by the name they chose to identify themselves by, and his mere presence drew attention to the refugee crisis.

Rohingya crisis: After visiting Myanmar, Pope arrives in Bangladesh

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