<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-bite-says-pope-francis-after-agreeing-to-kiss-a-nun-273192">Pope Francis</a> appointed a new ambassador to France on Saturday, following the resignation of an archbishop who has been questioned by police on sexual assault claims.

The new envoy is Italian Archbishop Celestino Migliore, 67, who had been serving as the Holy See's ambassador to Russia, the Vatican said.

Migliore takes up the post left empty by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-scandals-pope-orders-his-diplomats-to-toe-the-line-226905">Luigi Ventura</a>, who resigned in December after reaching the age limit for his post.

He had been stripped of his diplomatic immunity in July in an unprecedented move by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-top-anti-money-laundering-official-leaves-post-263002">Vatican</a>, which is struggling with a wave of allegations of sexual abuse by clerics.

Ventura was interviewed by French investigators in April and in May met with his accusers, a traditional practice in French police inquiries.

He denied the accusations.

A source close to the inquiry told AFP last month that the French probe into the claims remains open.

Ventura faces complaints filed by four men, three for alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priests-bishops-sexually-abused-nuns-pope-francis-admits-publicly-195459">sexual assault</a>, including that he repeatedly groped the backside of a junior municipal official at the Paris town hall at a ceremony in January.

Two other people have since come forward to report related incidents involving "similar gestures, hands-on buttocks or thighs" that allegedly took place last year.&nbsp;

There was also a complaint filed in Ottawa by a man who made similar allegations about an incident in 2008 while Ventura was serving in Canada.

Pope Francis appointed a new ambassador to France on Saturday, following the resignation of an archbishop who has been questioned by police on sexual assault claims.

Pope Francis appointed a new ambassador to France on Saturday, following the resignation of an archbishop who has been questioned by police on sexual assault claims. The new envoy is Italian Archbishop Celestino Migliore, 67, who had been serving as the Holy See's ambassador to Russia, the Vatican said. Migliore takes up the post left empty by Luigi Ventura, who resigned in December after reaching the age limit for his post. He had been stripped of his diplomatic immunity in July in an unprecedented move by the Vatican, which is struggling with a wave of allegations of sexual abuse by clerics. Ventura was interviewed by French investigators in April and in May met with his accusers, a traditional practice in French police inquiries. He denied the accusations. A source close to the inquiry told AFP last month that the French probe into the claims remains open. Ventura faces complaints filed by four men, three for alleged sexual assault, including that he repeatedly groped the backside of a junior municipal official at the Paris town hall at a ceremony in January. Two other people have since come forward to report related incidents involving "similar gestures, hands-on buttocks or thighs" that allegedly took place last year. There was also a complaint filed in Ottawa by a man who made similar allegations about an incident in 2008 while Ventura was serving in Canada.

Pope appoints new envoy to France after abuse claims

Pope Francis on Thursday (January 9) urged the United States and Iran to avoid escalation and pursue "dialogue and self-restraint" to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Pope appeals to U.S. and Iran to pursue dialogue, self-restraint

After last month's incident, wherein a disgruntled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-apologises-for-slapping-devotee-after-being-pulled-abruptly-271435">Pope slapped a woman's hand</a> on being abruptly pulled towards her, Pope Francis on Wednesday cheerfully agreed to a nun's request for a kiss... but on a condition.&nbsp;

While the pontiff was walking into the large hall at the start of his weekly audience at the Vatican, a nun shouted in Italian and asked him for a kiss. Pope Francis looked at her and said that she will get a kiss if she doesn't bite. &nbsp;

<img alt="Pope Francis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4288492d-6d67-4265-a868-e507413cb3ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_3.jpg" />

Francis then joked, "Stay calm! I will give you a kiss but you stay calm. Don't bite!" news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The nun received a kiss from the pontiff on her right cheek to which she responded saying "Grazie, Papa".&nbsp;

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pope-francis-gets-pulled-by-woman-frees-himself-from-her-grasp-271404">Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly</a>

Last week Pope Francis made headlines after he was caught on camera pulling away from a woman and slapping her hand at St Peter's Square.

While walking through St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Pope met and greeted people and pilgrims on the sideways when he was abruptly pulled by a woman.

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In the video, the woman could be seen making the sign of the cross as the Pope approached. She abruptly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, causing him pain.&nbsp;

A visibly disgruntled Pope slapped the woman's hand to free himself from her grasp and pulled away while exhibiting pain and annoyance.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pope Francis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="992321f0-b754-4815-a332-9cb5a178ea0a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_0.jpg" />

The incident took place when Pope Francis was out to meet and greet people at a New Year's Eve gathering at St Peter's Square. &nbsp;

The pontiff then issued a statement of apology saying that he apologises for the "bad example".

After last month's incident, wherein a disgruntled Pope slapped a woman's hand on being abruptly pulled towards her, Pope Francis on Wednesday cheerfully agreed to a nun's request for a kiss.

After last month's incident, wherein a disgruntled Pope slapped a woman's hand on being abruptly pulled towards her, Pope Francis on Wednesday cheerfully agreed to a nun's request for a kiss... but on a condition. While the pontiff was walking into the large hall at the start of his weekly audience at the Vatican, a nun shouted in Italian and asked him for a kiss. Pope Francis looked at her and said that she will get a kiss if she doesn't bite. Francis then joked, "Stay calm! I will give you a kiss but you stay calm. Don't bite!" news agency Reuters reported. The nun received a kiss from the pontiff on her right cheek to which she responded saying "Grazie, Papa". Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly Last week Pope Francis made headlines after he was caught on camera pulling away from a woman and slapping her hand at St Peter's Square. While walking through St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Pope met and greeted people and pilgrims on the sideways when he was abruptly pulled by a woman. × In the video, the woman could be seen making the sign of the cross as the Pope approached. She abruptly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, causing him pain. A visibly disgruntled Pope slapped the woman's hand to free himself from her grasp and pulled away while exhibiting pain and annoyance. The incident took place when Pope Francis was out to meet and greet people at a New Year's Eve gathering at St Peter's Square. The pontiff then issued a statement of apology saying that he apologises for the "bad example".

'Don't bite,' says Pope Francis after agreeing to kiss a nun

Pope Francis on Sunday called for dialogue and restraint two days following the assassination of top Iranian military commander Qasem Suleimani, the 62-year-old head of Iran’s Quds Force, by the United States, according to news agency Reuters.

Pope Francis on Sunday called for dialogue and restraint two days following the assassination of top Iranian military commander Qasem Suleimani, the 62-year-old head of Iran’s Quds Force, by the United States, according to news agency Reuters. Speaking at the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pope did not mention Iran by name but spoke of a terrible air of tension that could now be felt in many parts of the world. "I call on all sides to keep the flame of dialogue and self-restraint alight and ward off the shadow of hostility," the Pope was quoted as saying. "War only brings death and destruction." On Friday a US drone strike on a convoy at Baghdad airport killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, drawing promises of harsh revenge by Tehran.

Pope Francis calls for dialogue and restraint amid growing US-Iran tensions

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year, denounced on Wednesday (January 1) the use and abuse of women in modern society, and called for an end to the exploitation of the female body.

In New Year message, pope decries violence against women

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-decries-violence-against-women-in-new-year-speech-271421">Pope Francis</a> apologised Wednesday for his widely-viewed slap of a woman who had grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year's Eve.

The image of Francis slapping his way free from the clutches of the admirer was an instant hit on social media.

A personal apology followed.

"We lose patience many times," Francis confessed.

"It happens to me too. I apologise for the bad example given yesterday," the head of the Catholic church said before celebrating Mass at the Vatican.

Twitter enthusiasts commented with abandon on the pontiff's prompt riposte to the woman.

Francis had greeted children before the Nativity scene on Saint Peter's square and was turning away when the woman who had crossed herself then cried out something, pulled on his hand and almost caused him to fall.

The 83-year-old pope grimaced before managing to break free by slapping her hand twice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pope-francis-gets-pulled-by-woman-frees-himself-from-her-grasp-271404">Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly</a>

He continued his tour, walking with some difficulty while maintaining a slightly greater distance from visitors, and gradually relaxed again as he came into contact with other children.

Twitter comments were mostly supportive of the pontiff's instinctive reaction.

"HE IS HUMAN.. Been (sic) a Pope doesn't make you immune to Pain or avoid Reaction to pain," one typical comment read.

In his first Mass of the New Year, the pontiff later denounced "all violence against women" as "a profanation of God, born of a woman."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pope-francis-gets-pulled-by-woman-frees-himself-from-her-grasp-271404">Francis</a> also said women were "the source of life" but deplored that they were constantly "offended, beaten, abused and forced into prostitution" and forced to "supress the life they carry within" them.

He emphasised that the "rebirth of humanity began with a woman," and bemoaned that women's bodies were "sacrificed on the profane altars of advertising, profit, pornography."&nbsp;

Pope Francis apologised Wednesday for his widely-viewed slap of a woman who had grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year's Eve. The image of Francis slapping his way free from the clutches of the admirer was an instant hit on social media.

Pope Francis apologised Wednesday for his widely-viewed slap of a woman who had grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year's Eve. The image of Francis slapping his way free from the clutches of the admirer was an instant hit on social media. A personal apology followed. "We lose patience many times," Francis confessed. "It happens to me too. I apologise for the bad example given yesterday," the head of the Catholic church said before celebrating Mass at the Vatican. Twitter enthusiasts commented with abandon on the pontiff's prompt riposte to the woman. Francis had greeted children before the Nativity scene on Saint Peter's square and was turning away when the woman who had crossed herself then cried out something, pulled on his hand and almost caused him to fall. The 83-year-old pope grimaced before managing to break free by slapping her hand twice. Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly He continued his tour, walking with some difficulty while maintaining a slightly greater distance from visitors, and gradually relaxed again as he came into contact with other children. Twitter comments were mostly supportive of the pontiff's instinctive reaction. "HE IS HUMAN.. Been (sic) a Pope doesn't make you immune to Pain or avoid Reaction to pain," one typical comment read. In his first Mass of the New Year, the pontiff later denounced "all violence against women" as "a profanation of God, born of a woman." Francis also said women were "the source of life" but deplored that they were constantly "offended, beaten, abused and forced into prostitution" and forced to "supress the life they carry within" them. He emphasised that the "rebirth of humanity began with a woman," and bemoaned that women's bodies were "sacrificed on the profane altars of advertising, profit, pornography."

Pope Francis apologises for slapping devotee after being pulled abruptly

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pope-francis-gets-pulled-by-woman-frees-himself-from-her-grasp-271404">Pope Francis</a>, in his first message of the new year, denounced on Wednesday the use and abuse of women in modern society and called for an end to the exploitation of the female body.

Speaking in a packed St&nbsp;Peter's Basilica, the pope also defended women's rights to migrate in search of a better future for their children and condemned those who only thought about economic growth rather than the well-being of others.

"All violence inflicted on women is a desecration of God," the pope said in his homily.

"How often is a woman's body sacrificed on the profane altar of advertising, profit, pornography, exploited as a surface to be used," he said, adding that the female body "must be freed from consumerism, it must be respected and honoured."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pope-francis-gets-pulled-by-woman-frees-himself-from-her-grasp-271404">Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly</a>

The pope has regularly sought to defend women's rights during his pontificate and in April told the Roman Catholic Church it had to acknowledge a history of male domination and sexual abuse of women.

"We can understand our level of humanity by the way we treat a woman's body," he said on Wednesday.

He also used his homily to address another theme close to his heart, immigration, saying women who moved abroad to provide for their children should be honoured and not scorned.

"Today even motherhood is humiliated because the only growth that interests us is economic growth," he said.

"There are mothers, who risk perilous journeys to desperately try to give the fruit of the womb a better future and are judged to be redundant by people whose bellies are full of things, but whose hearts are empty of love."

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year, denounced on Wednesday the use and abuse of women in modern society and called for an end to the exploitation of the female body.

Pope Francis, in his first message of the new year, denounced on Wednesday the use and abuse of women in modern society and called for an end to the exploitation of the female body. Speaking in a packed St Peter's Basilica, the pope also defended women's rights to migrate in search of a better future for their children and condemned those who only thought about economic growth rather than the well-being of others. "All violence inflicted on women is a desecration of God," the pope said in his homily. "How often is a woman's body sacrificed on the profane altar of advertising, profit, pornography, exploited as a surface to be used," he said, adding that the female body "must be freed from consumerism, it must be respected and honoured." Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly The pope has regularly sought to defend women's rights during his pontificate and in April told the Roman Catholic Church it had to acknowledge a history of male domination and sexual abuse of women. "We can understand our level of humanity by the way we treat a woman's body," he said on Wednesday. He also used his homily to address another theme close to his heart, immigration, saying women who moved abroad to provide for their children should be honoured and not scorned. "Today even motherhood is humiliated because the only growth that interests us is economic growth," he said. "There are mothers, who risk perilous journeys to desperately try to give the fruit of the womb a better future and are judged to be redundant by people whose bellies are full of things, but whose hearts are empty of love."

Pope Francis decries violence against women in New Year speech

Pope Francis on Tuesday made headlines when he was caught on camera pulling away from a woman who was part of a crowd at St Peter's Square.&nbsp;

While walking through St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Pope met and greeted people and pilgrims on the sideways when he was abruptly pulled by a woman.

In the video, the woman could be seen making the sign of the cross as the Pope approached. She abruptly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, causing him pain.&nbsp;

A visibly disgruntled Pope slapped the woman's hand to free himself from her grasp and pulled away while exhibiting pain and annoyance.&nbsp;

The incident took place when Pope Francis was out to meet and greet people at a New Year's Eve gathering at&nbsp;St Peter's Square.&nbsp;

Last year, a video featuring Pope Francis went viral wherein he was seen repeatedly withdrawing his right hand to avoid it being kissed by a long line of people.

The incident dates back to the pontiff’s visit to a Catholic shrine in Loreto last year.

The footage went viral and the pope’s refusal quickly entered what is known as the Catholic cultural wars between conservatives and progressives.

The Vatican did not clarify why was the pontiff not keen on having devotees kiss the silver ring on his right hand. It seemed the people did not know the correct protocol.&nbsp;

“It’s high time kissing bishops’ rings disappears altogether. It’s just ridiculous and has nothing to do with tradition. It’s an import from monarchies. Much of the pomp around bishops should be ditched,” Tweeted Jesuit priest Russell Pollitt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pope Francis on Tuesday made headlines when he was caught on camera pulling away from a woman who was part of a crowd at St Peter's Square. While walking through St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Pope met and greeted people and pilgrims on the sideways when he was abruptly pulled by a woman.

Pope Francis on Tuesday made headlines when he was caught on camera pulling away from a woman who was part of a crowd at St Peter's Square. While walking through St Peter's Square in the Vatican City, Pope met and greeted people and pilgrims on the sideways when he was abruptly pulled by a woman. In the video, the woman could be seen making the sign of the cross as the Pope approached. She abruptly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, causing him pain. A visibly disgruntled Pope slapped the woman's hand to free himself from her grasp and pulled away while exhibiting pain and annoyance. The incident took place when Pope Francis was out to meet and greet people at a New Year's Eve gathering at St Peter's Square. Last year, a video featuring Pope Francis went viral wherein he was seen repeatedly withdrawing his right hand to avoid it being kissed by a long line of people. The incident dates back to the pontiff’s visit to a Catholic shrine in Loreto last year. The footage went viral and the pope’s refusal quickly entered what is known as the Catholic cultural wars between conservatives and progressives. The Vatican did not clarify why was the pontiff not keen on having devotees kiss the silver ring on his right hand. It seemed the people did not know the correct protocol. “It’s high time kissing bishops’ rings disappears altogether. It’s just ridiculous and has nothing to do with tradition. It’s an import from monarchies. Much of the pomp around bishops should be ditched,” Tweeted Jesuit priest Russell Pollitt. (With inputs from Reuters)

Watch: Furious Pope Francis frees himself from woman's grasp after being pulled abruptly

A visibly indignant Pope Francis had to pull himself away from a woman in a crowd in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday (December 31) after she had grabbed his hand and yanked him towards her.

Disgruntled Pope Francis pulls himself free from woman's clutch

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons-at-nagasaki-ground-zero-264149">Pope Francis</a> celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday.

The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you."

"Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us," Francis, 82, said as people in large numbers gathered to hear the Pope's sermon.

"How often do we think that God is good if we are good and punishes us if we are bad. Yet that is not how he is," the Pope said.

"Let us contemplate the child and let ourselves be caught up in his tender love. Then we have no further excuse for not letting ourselves be loved by him," Francis said, adding,"whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse. It will become secondary, for faced with Jesus' extravagant love, a love of utter meekness and closeness, we have no excuse."

As is customary, Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas message on Wednesday from the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica.

"At Christmas all the world looks to us, to Bethlehem," he said while delivering his message to the people as church bells rang out.

"Special greetings to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, with whom I celebrated Christmas two days ago," he added. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday. The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you.

Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday. The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." "Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us," Francis, 82, said as people in large numbers gathered to hear the Pope's sermon. "How often do we think that God is good if we are good and punishes us if we are bad. Yet that is not how he is," the Pope said. "Let us contemplate the child and let ourselves be caught up in his tender love. Then we have no further excuse for not letting ourselves be loved by him," Francis said, adding,"whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse. It will become secondary, for faced with Jesus' extravagant love, a love of utter meekness and closeness, we have no excuse." As is customary, Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas message on Wednesday from the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica. "At Christmas all the world looks to us, to Bethlehem," he said while delivering his message to the people as church bells rang out. "Special greetings to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, with whom I celebrated Christmas two days ago," he added.

Pope Francis leads Christmas celebrations with midnight mass at Vatican

Pope Francis turned 83 on Tuesday (December 17) but he celebrated his birthday five days later with a group of sick children from the "Santa Marta" Paediatric Dispensary.

Pope celebrates birthday with sick children

Archeologists discovery of 16th century anchors off Mexican coast offer clues into Spaniard conquest

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally.

The decision related to "pontifical secret" aimed at protecting sensitive information kept in Vatican Dicastery archives can now be opened, in a sign of what it called "openness, transparency, and the willingness to collaborate with the civil authorities."

Pope&nbsp;Francis effectively abolished Papal secrecy linked to sexual abuse of minors, sexual violence and child pornography.

It said that "well-being of children and young people must always come before any protection of a secret, even the “pontifical” secret."

Last year Pope Francis had announced the enacting of a new legislation to protect children from sexual abuse within the Vatican and other Holy See institutions in Rome.

The changes were issued under the form of an Apostolic Letter, a 12-article law for minors living inside the Vatican. The law provided Vatican officials convicted in child abuse case to be dismissed, including setting up of procedures for reporting suspected abuse and screening of employees to prevent the hiring of potential abusers.

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally.

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally. The decision related to "pontifical secret" aimed at protecting sensitive information kept in Vatican Dicastery archives can now be opened, in a sign of what it called "openness, transparency, and the willingness to collaborate with the civil authorities." Pope Francis effectively abolished Papal secrecy linked to sexual abuse of minors, sexual violence and child pornography. It said that "well-being of children and young people must always come before any protection of a secret, even the “pontifical” secret." Last year Pope Francis had announced the enacting of a new legislation to protect children from sexual abuse within the Vatican and other Holy See institutions in Rome. The changes were issued under the form of an Apostolic Letter, a 12-article law for minors living inside the Vatican. The law provided Vatican officials convicted in child abuse case to be dismissed, including setting up of procedures for reporting suspected abuse and screening of employees to prevent the hiring of potential abusers.

Pope Francis lifts pontifical secrecy in child sex abuse cases: Vatican

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-thailand-at-start-of-asia-trip-263302">Pope Francis</a> on Tuesday issued sweeping changes to the way the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catholic-church-spared-no-effort-fight-abuse-scandals-pope-francis-167693">Roman Catholic Church</a> deals with cases of sexual abuse of minors, abolishing the rule of "pontifical secrecy" that previously covered them.

Two documents issued by the pope cover practices that have been in place for some time in some countries, including reporting suspicion of sex abuse to civil authorities where required by law.

The documents also forbid imposing an obligation of silence on those who report sex abuse or allege to have been a victim.

The lifting of "pontifical secrecy" in cases of sex abuse investigations was a key demand by Church leaders at a summit on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-sexual-abuse-survivors-lash-harvey-weinstein-over-25-million-settlement-offer-268104">sexual abuse</a> held at the Vatican in February.

One of the documents also raises to 18 or under from 14 or under the age that pictures of individuals can be considered child pornography "for purposes of sexual gratification, by whatever means or using whatever technology".

Both of the documents issued on Tuesday are known as rescriptums, where the pope uses his authority to rewrite specific articles of canon law or parts of previous papal documents.

Pope Francis on Tuesday issued sweeping changes to the way the Roman Catholic Church deals with cases of sexual abuse of minors, abolishing the rule of "pontifical secrecy" that previously covered them.

Pope Francis on Tuesday issued sweeping changes to the way the Roman Catholic Church deals with cases of sexual abuse of minors, abolishing the rule of "pontifical secrecy" that previously covered them. Two documents issued by the pope cover practices that have been in place for some time in some countries, including reporting suspicion of sex abuse to civil authorities where required by law. The documents also forbid imposing an obligation of silence on those who report sex abuse or allege to have been a victim. The lifting of "pontifical secrecy" in cases of sex abuse investigations was a key demand by Church leaders at a summit on sexual abuse held at the Vatican in February. One of the documents also raises to 18 or under from 14 or under the age that pictures of individuals can be considered child pornography "for purposes of sexual gratification, by whatever means or using whatever technology". Both of the documents issued on Tuesday are known as rescriptums, where the pope uses his authority to rewrite specific articles of canon law or parts of previous papal documents.

Pope abolishes 'pontifical secrecy' for sex abuse investigations

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Pope condemns 'virus' of consumerism

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-leaves-japan-after-trip-centred-on-anti-nuclear-message-264572">Pope&nbsp;Francis</a> announced on Tuesday he would declare the use and possession of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;"immoral" in the&nbsp;Catholic&nbsp;Church's official&nbsp;manual, after visiting the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where atomic bombs were dropped during World War II.

The cities are the only areas to have been targeted by&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons, the 1945 attacks by the United States killing 224,000 people.&nbsp;

The catechism is the church's official instruction book, which summarises the principles of the faith. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have said that the use of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;is&nbsp;immoral," the pontiff told reporters during his flight back to Rome.&nbsp;

"This must go into the catechism of the&nbsp;Catholic&nbsp;Church, not just use but also possession," he said, adding that "a government's madness can destroy humanity".

In 2018,&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;Francis added a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-japan-to-preach-anti-nuclear-message-264057">categorical opposition</a> to the death penalty to the document.&nbsp;

Francis criticised international organisations such as the United Nations Security Council for not taking decisive action to reduce arms or avoid wars.

He also blamed "the hypocrisy of those who produce&nbsp;weapons", referring to Christian countries in Europe.&nbsp;

"They talk peace and they live for&nbsp;weapons, it's called hypocrisy," he said.

"A nation must have the courage to say, I cannot speak of peace because my economy is gaining a lot with&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;manufacturing."

On the subject of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;energy, he stopped short of calling for a complete phase-out but said he believed its use came with risks.

Francis has long hankered after a trip to Japan ever since he was a young missionary.

The&nbsp;pope&nbsp;also reiterated his dream of travelling to China, saying he loves the country and would like to go to Beijing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pope Francis announced on Tuesday he would declare the use and possession of nuclear weapons "immoral" in the Catholic Church's official manual, after visiting the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where atomic bombs were dropped during World War II.

Pope Francis announced on Tuesday he would declare the use and possession of nuclear weapons "immoral" in the Catholic Church's official manual, after visiting the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where atomic bombs were dropped during World War II. The cities are the only areas to have been targeted by nuclear weapons, the 1945 attacks by the United States killing 224,000 people. The catechism is the church's official instruction book, which summarises the principles of the faith. "I have said that the use of nuclear weapons is immoral," the pontiff told reporters during his flight back to Rome. "This must go into the catechism of the Catholic Church, not just use but also possession," he said, adding that "a government's madness can destroy humanity". In 2018, Pope Francis added a categorical opposition to the death penalty to the document. Francis criticised international organisations such as the United Nations Security Council for not taking decisive action to reduce arms or avoid wars. He also blamed "the hypocrisy of those who produce weapons", referring to Christian countries in Europe. "They talk peace and they live for weapons, it's called hypocrisy," he said. "A nation must have the courage to say, I cannot speak of peace because my economy is gaining a lot with weapons manufacturing." On the subject of nuclear energy, he stopped short of calling for a complete phase-out but said he believed its use came with risks. Francis has long hankered after a trip to Japan ever since he was a young missionary. The pope also reiterated his dream of travelling to China, saying he loves the country and would like to go to Beijing.

Pope Francis to list nuclear weapons as immoral in Catholic manual

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-voices-concern-over-future-energy-as-he-comforts-victims-of-fukushima-disaster-264290">Pope&nbsp;Francis</a>&nbsp;departed from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;after&nbsp;a four-day visit highlighted by pleas to world leaders to abandon&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons that were given extra weight because they were delivered from the only two cities to have suffered atomic bombings.

Francis&nbsp;also met with survivors of the 2011 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;accident</a>, comforting one teenager who had to flee his home due to high radiation, and said two Masses packed with faithful who lined up before dawn for the chance to take part.

It was the first visit to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;by a&nbsp;pope&nbsp;in 38 years and only the second in history,&nbsp;after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/from-brigitte-bardot-to-princess-diana-iconic-paris-match-photos-to-get-auctioned-263777">&nbsp;John Paul II</a>.

Pope Francis departed from Japan on Tuesday after a four-day visit highlighted by pleas to world leaders to abandon nuclear weapons that were given extra weight because they were delivered from the only two cities to have suffered atomic bombings.

Pope Francis departed from Japan on Tuesday after a four-day visit highlighted by pleas to world leaders to abandon nuclear weapons that were given extra weight because they were delivered from the only two cities to have suffered atomic bombings. Francis also met with survivors of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, comforting one teenager who had to flee his home due to high radiation, and said two Masses packed with faithful who lined up before dawn for the chance to take part. It was the first visit to Japan by a pope in 38 years and only the second in history, after John Paul II.

Pope Francis leaves Japan after trip centred around anti-nuclear message

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-japan-to-preach-anti-nuclear-message-264057">Pope Francis</a> expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant.

Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return.

"Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo.

"Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said.

"This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said.

In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone.

Resource-poor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bid-to-repair-ties-japan-and-south-korea-agree-to-summit-next-month-264060">Japan </a>has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened.

Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami."

Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff.

Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation.

"It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said.

Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it.

Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons-at-nagasaki-ground-zero-264149">abolish nuclear weapons</a>. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature.

After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abes-approval-rating-sags-due-to-accusations-of-violating-laws-for-political-spending-262813">Shinzo Abe</a> later in the day.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright. Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant. Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return. "Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo. "Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said. "This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said. In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone. Resource-poor Japan has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened. Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami." Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff. Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation. "It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said. Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it. Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature. After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day.

Until social bonds in local communities is re-established, Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved: Pope Francis

Pope Francis, speaking in one of only two cities hit by atomic bombs in history, appealed on Sunday for the abolition of nuclear weapons, saying their mere possession was perverse and indefensible.

He restated his support for a 2017 treaty to ban nuclear weapons agreed by nearly two-thirds of U.N. members, but opposed by big nuclear powers who say it could undermine nuclear deterrence, which they credit with averting conventional war.

"The possession of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is not the answer (to longings for peace)," Francis said, after having closed his eyes in prayer and lighting a candle in memory of the victims.

"Our world is marked by a perverse dichotomy that tries to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security sustained by a mentality of fear and mistrust," he said in a somber voice, amid driving rain and strong wind.

"Peace and international stability are incompatible with attempts to build upon the fear of mutual destruction or the threat of total annihilation."

Francis, who was speaking at Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park, ground zero of the bomb the United States dropped on Aug. 9, 1945, instantly killing 27,000 people, also decried what he called a dismantling of non-proliferation pacts.

Nagasaki was the second city hit by an atomic bomb during World War Two. Later on Sunday, the pope was due to visit Hiroshima, site of the first blast, which instantly killed about 78,000 people.

About 400,000 more eventually died of radiation illness and injuries caused by the bombs dropped by the United States in an effort to end the war.

"Here, in this city, which witnessed the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of a nuclear attack, our attempts to speak out against the arms race will never be enough," Francis said in his emotional appeal.

Resources spent on the "arms race" should be used for development and protection of the environment, instead.

"In a world where millions of children and families live in inhumane conditions, the money squandered and the fortunes made through the manufacture, upgrading, maintenance and sale of ever more destructive weapons, are an affront crying out to heaven," he said.

Last August, the United States pulled out of one landmark strategic arms accord, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), citing violations by Russia that Moscow denies.

Nuclear experts said it also appeared doubtful that agreement on a full-fledged replacement for the New START nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States will be in place before it expires in February 2021.

Collective memory

The bombing is seared in the collective memory of the people of the green and hilly harbour city of Nagasaki and has been passed on through the generations.

"We can't have any more atomic bombings. It'd be great if that message would get across to the world. I'd like it if nuclear weapons were eliminated and there wasn't any more war," said Chizuko Hisamatsu, 66, a housewife. "I think I may cry."

The pope delivered his appeal standing near a large print of a famous photograph taken by an American soldier shortly after the blast, showing a Japanese boy taking his dead younger brother to be cremated.

After his address, Francis spoke at a monument to faithful martyred during the 250 years in which Christianity was banned in Japan, forcing believers to go underground or face death.

"Hidden Christians" blended Christianity with Buddhism and native Shinto beliefs to survive, and Francis may meet several members of the ageing, dwindling population later on.

Jesuits brought Christianity to Japan in 1549, but it was banned in 1614. Missionaries were expelled and the faithful were forced to choose between martyrdom or hiding their religion. The ban was lifted in 1873.

Pope Francis, speaking in one of only two cities hit by atomic bombs in history, appealed on Sunday for the abolition of nuclear weapons, saying their mere possession was perverse and indefensible.

Pope Francis, speaking in one of only two cities hit by atomic bombs in history, appealed on Sunday for the abolition of nuclear weapons, saying their mere possession was perverse and indefensible. He restated his support for a 2017 treaty to ban nuclear weapons agreed by nearly two-thirds of U.N. members, but opposed by big nuclear powers who say it could undermine nuclear deterrence, which they credit with averting conventional war. "The possession of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is not the answer (to longings for peace)," Francis said, after having closed his eyes in prayer and lighting a candle in memory of the victims. "Our world is marked by a perverse dichotomy that tries to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security sustained by a mentality of fear and mistrust," he said in a somber voice, amid driving rain and strong wind. "Peace and international stability are incompatible with attempts to build upon the fear of mutual destruction or the threat of total annihilation." Francis, who was speaking at Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park, ground zero of the bomb the United States dropped on Aug. 9, 1945, instantly killing 27,000 people, also decried what he called a dismantling of non-proliferation pacts. Nagasaki was the second city hit by an atomic bomb during World War Two. Later on Sunday, the pope was due to visit Hiroshima, site of the first blast, which instantly killed about 78,000 people. About 400,000 more eventually died of radiation illness and injuries caused by the bombs dropped by the United States in an effort to end the war. "Here, in this city, which witnessed the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of a nuclear attack, our attempts to speak out against the arms race will never be enough," Francis said in his emotional appeal. Resources spent on the "arms race" should be used for development and protection of the environment, instead. "In a world where millions of children and families live in inhumane conditions, the money squandered and the fortunes made through the manufacture, upgrading, maintenance and sale of ever more destructive weapons, are an affront crying out to heaven," he said. Last August, the United States pulled out of one landmark strategic arms accord, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), citing violations by Russia that Moscow denies. Nuclear experts said it also appeared doubtful that agreement on a full-fledged replacement for the New START nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States will be in place before it expires in February 2021. Collective memory The bombing is seared in the collective memory of the people of the green and hilly harbour city of Nagasaki and has been passed on through the generations. "We can't have any more atomic bombings. It'd be great if that message would get across to the world. I'd like it if nuclear weapons were eliminated and there wasn't any more war," said Chizuko Hisamatsu, 66, a housewife. "I think I may cry." The pope delivered his appeal standing near a large print of a famous photograph taken by an American soldier shortly after the blast, showing a Japanese boy taking his dead younger brother to be cremated. After his address, Francis spoke at a monument to faithful martyred during the 250 years in which Christianity was banned in Japan, forcing believers to go underground or face death. "Hidden Christians" blended Christianity with Buddhism and native Shinto beliefs to survive, and Francis may meet several members of the ageing, dwindling population later on. Jesuits brought Christianity to Japan in 1549, but it was banned in 1614. Missionaries were expelled and the faithful were forced to choose between martyrdom or hiding their religion. The ban was lifted in 1873.

Pope urges abolition of nuclear weapons at Nagasaki ground zero

Pope Francis left Thailand on Saturday after a three-day visit and headed to Japan, where he is to visit the ground zeros of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of his campaign against nuclear weapons.

The pope, 82, was accompanied to the airport by his cousin, Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, a nun who has worked in Thai schools for more than 50 years and was his translator on the trip.

In Thailand, he celebrated Mass with the small Catholic minority in an overwhelmingly Buddhist country and spoke out against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women.

In Japan, Pope Francis is expected to turn his focus to his anti-nuclear campaign, particularly on Sunday, when he visits Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world's only two cities to suffer nuclear attacks.

About 400,000 people were killed, either instantly or from radiation illness or injuries resulting from the atomic bombs that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and on Nagasaki three days later, as it sought to end World War Two.

Francis will meet blast survivors, pray, and read a message on nuclear weapons at the bomb epicentre in Nagasaki. He later visits Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.

In the Japanese capital, he will meet survivors of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Francis wants a total ban on nuclear weapons, going further than his predecessors, when he said in 2017 that countries should not stockpile them, even for the purpose of deterrence.

Japan stresses its unique status as the only nation to have suffered atomic attacks and advocates disarmament but nonetheless relies on the US nuclear umbrella as an extended deterrent.

Francis, who, as a young priest, wanted to be a missionary in Japan, will also meet some of a dwindling number of its "Hidden Christians", descendants of those who preserved their faith in secret during centuries of persecution until a ban on Christianity was lifted in 1873.

Japan is mainly Buddhist and Shinto and only about 1% of its population of about 126 million identify as Christian. Of this number, some 536,000 are Catholic.

Christians are disproportionately present among Japan’s elite, some of whom may have also attended Christian private schools without adopting the religion.

Two Japanese prime ministers have been Catholics: Takashi Hara, from 1918 to 1921, and current finance minister Taro Aso, who was prime minister during 2008-2009.

Pope Francis left Thailand on Saturday after a three-day visit and headed to Japan, where he is to visit the ground zeros of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of his campaign against nuclear weapons.

Pope Francis left Thailand on Saturday after a three-day visit and headed to Japan, where he is to visit the ground zeros of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of his campaign against nuclear weapons. The pope, 82, was accompanied to the airport by his cousin, Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, a nun who has worked in Thai schools for more than 50 years and was his translator on the trip. In Thailand, he celebrated Mass with the small Catholic minority in an overwhelmingly Buddhist country and spoke out against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. In Japan, Pope Francis is expected to turn his focus to his anti-nuclear campaign, particularly on Sunday, when he visits Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world's only two cities to suffer nuclear attacks. About 400,000 people were killed, either instantly or from radiation illness or injuries resulting from the atomic bombs that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and on Nagasaki three days later, as it sought to end World War Two. Francis will meet blast survivors, pray, and read a message on nuclear weapons at the bomb epicentre in Nagasaki. He later visits Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. In the Japanese capital, he will meet survivors of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Francis wants a total ban on nuclear weapons, going further than his predecessors, when he said in 2017 that countries should not stockpile them, even for the purpose of deterrence. Japan stresses its unique status as the only nation to have suffered atomic attacks and advocates disarmament but nonetheless relies on the US nuclear umbrella as an extended deterrent. Francis, who, as a young priest, wanted to be a missionary in Japan, will also meet some of a dwindling number of its "Hidden Christians", descendants of those who preserved their faith in secret during centuries of persecution until a ban on Christianity was lifted in 1873. Japan is mainly Buddhist and Shinto and only about 1% of its population of about 126 million identify as Christian. Of this number, some 536,000 are Catholic. Christians are disproportionately present among Japan’s elite, some of whom may have also attended Christian private schools without adopting the religion. Two Japanese prime ministers have been Catholics: Takashi Hara, from 1918 to 1921, and current finance minister Taro Aso, who was prime minister during 2008-2009.

Pope departs Thailand for Japan, bringing anti-nuclear message

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-departs-thailand-for-japan-bringing-anti-nuclear-message-263984">Pope Francis</a> arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary.

He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand.

His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively.

In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons.

"Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

Francis <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-respect-for-prostitutes-at-crowded-bangkok-mass-263707">arrives from Thailand</a>, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace.

He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million.

The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas.

Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549.

In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith.

When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites.

Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese,&nbsp;during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered.

Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped.

Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech.

"My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old.

"If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb."

In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan.

His trip will also include meetings with the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/symbolic-night-with-goddess-to-wrap-up-japan-emperors-accession-rites-261259">Emperor Naruhito</a> and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium.

On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic.

Also watch:&nbsp;Pope Francis on Asian tour

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He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch,&nbsp;the head of Thailand's Buddhists,&nbsp;readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs.

His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter.

In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received.&nbsp;

"I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack. The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary. He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand. His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively. In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons. "Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Francis arrives from Thailand, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace. He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million. The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas. Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549. In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith. When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites. Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese, during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered. Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped. Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech. "My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old. "If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb." In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan. His trip will also include meetings with the new Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium. On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic. Also watch: Pope Francis on Asian tour × He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch, the head of Thailand's Buddhists, readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs. His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter. In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received. "I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrives in Japan to preach anti-nuclear message

Pope Francis Kicks Off Asia Tour In Thailand, Visits Supreme Buddhist Patriarch.

Gravitas: Pope Francis on Asian tour

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-thailand-at-start-of-asia-trip-263302">Pope Francis</a> was set to meet Thailand's supreme Buddhist patriarch, prime minister and king at the start of an official visit on Thursday, before celebrating a mass with tens of thousands of Thai Catholics.

During his visit to the Southeast Asian country, the pope is expected to speak out on human trafficking and to urge compassion for refugees.

The small but fervent Catholic minority were expected to turn out in large numbers for the pontiff's visit to overwhelmingly Buddhist Thailand, the first stop on a seven-day Asian journey that also includes Japan.

Watch: Thai bakery owner says 'singing for Pope' highest honour in life

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Thailand's prime minister is hosting official welcoming ceremonies on Thursday before the pope meets with the supreme patriarch of Thai Buddhists, Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, who at 91 is nearly a decade older than the pope.

He is later to meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was officially crowned earlier this year and is the official protector of Buddhism in Thailand.

Thailand's Catholics number just a little more than 380,000 in a country of more than 65 million, but the small community has thrived.

Tens of thousands are expected to pack into Bangkok's National Stadium on Thursday evening for the first of two masses officiated by the pope.

He will hold another mass at Bangkok's Assumption Cathedral before leaving on Saturday for Japan, where he will visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-visit-hiroshima-nagasaki-on-anti-nuclear-weapon-mission-262797">nuclear ground zeros of Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a>.

Pope Francis was set to meet Thailand's supreme Buddhist patriarch, prime minister and king at the start of an official visit on Thursday, before celebrating a mass with tens of thousands of Thai Catholics.

Pope Francis was set to meet Thailand's supreme Buddhist patriarch, prime minister and king at the start of an official visit on Thursday, before celebrating a mass with tens of thousands of Thai Catholics. During his visit to the Southeast Asian country, the pope is expected to speak out on human trafficking and to urge compassion for refugees. The small but fervent Catholic minority were expected to turn out in large numbers for the pontiff's visit to overwhelmingly Buddhist Thailand, the first stop on a seven-day Asian journey that also includes Japan. Watch: Thai bakery owner says 'singing for Pope' highest honour in life Thailand's prime minister is hosting official welcoming ceremonies on Thursday before the pope meets with the supreme patriarch of Thai Buddhists, Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, who at 91 is nearly a decade older than the pope. He is later to meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was officially crowned earlier this year and is the official protector of Buddhism in Thailand. Thailand's Catholics number just a little more than 380,000 in a country of more than 65 million, but the small community has thrived. Tens of thousands are expected to pack into Bangkok's National Stadium on Thursday evening for the first of two masses officiated by the pope. He will hold another mass at Bangkok's Assumption Cathedral before leaving on Saturday for Japan, where he will visit the nuclear ground zeros of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Pope Francis to meet Thai king, Buddhist patriarch today

Pope Francis kicks off Asian tour in Thailand before heading to Japan

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