Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'.

Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic. The service took place at a secondary altar of St. Peter's Basilica instead of in the square outside.

After saying Mass, Francis read his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace.

"The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nonetheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened," he said.

Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world.

The square was empty except for a few police officers enforcing a strict three-day national lockdown.

Pope Francis asked God to comfort the sick and those who had lost a loved one. About unemployment, he urged the authorities to give families in need a "decent sustenance".

He praised medical workers, sympathised with young people unable to attend school, and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic.

"I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries," he said.

Francis, who has often called for disarmament and a total ban on the possession of nuclear weapons, said: "There are still too many wars and too much violence in the world! May the Lord, who is our peace, help us to overcome the mindset of war."

'INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH'

Noting that it was International Awareness Day against anti-personnel landmines, he called such weapons "insidious and horrible devices ... how much better our world would be without these instruments of death!"

In mentioning conflict areas, he singled out for praise "the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully". More than 550 protesters have been killed since a Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, which the pope visited in 2017.

Francis called for peace in several conflict areas in Africa, including the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. He said the crisis in Yemen has been "met with a deafening and scandalous silence".

He appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to "rediscover the power of dialogue" to reach a two-state solution where both can live side by side in peace and prosperity.

Francis said he realised many Christians were still persecuted and called for all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide to be lifted.

Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'. Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'. Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic. The service took place at a secondary altar of St. Peter's Basilica instead of in the square outside. After saying Mass, Francis read his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace. "The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nonetheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened," he said. Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world. The square was empty except for a few police officers enforcing a strict three-day national lockdown. Pope Francis asked God to comfort the sick and those who had lost a loved one. About unemployment, he urged the authorities to give families in need a "decent sustenance". He praised medical workers, sympathised with young people unable to attend school, and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic. "I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries," he said. Francis, who has often called for disarmament and a total ban on the possession of nuclear weapons, said: "There are still too many wars and too much violence in the world! May the Lord, who is our peace, help us to overcome the mindset of war." 'INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH' Noting that it was International Awareness Day against anti-personnel landmines, he called such weapons "insidious and horrible devices ... how much better our world would be without these instruments of death!" In mentioning conflict areas, he singled out for praise "the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully". More than 550 protesters have been killed since a Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, which the pope visited in 2017. Francis called for peace in several conflict areas in Africa, including the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. He said the crisis in Yemen has been "met with a deafening and scandalous silence". He appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to "rediscover the power of dialogue" to reach a two-state solution where both can live side by side in peace and prosperity. Francis said he realised many Christians were still persecuted and called for all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide to be lifted.

Pope decries weapons spending during pandemic in his Easter message

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic.&nbsp;

In pre-coronavirus times, Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week and leads to Easter, tens of thousands of people would pack St Peter's Square holding olive branches and intricately woven palm fronds in an outdoor ceremony.&nbsp;

Instead, only about 120 members of the faithful participated in Sunday's Mass, joining the pope and about 30 cardinals in a secondary wing of the huge basilica.&nbsp;

"Last year, we were shocked. This year, we are more under pressure and the economic crisis has become heavy," Francis said, in his traditional Sunday noon address after the Mass.&nbsp;

Italy is in the midst of another national lockdown, which is due to end after Easter. On Wednesday, the pope ordered cardinals and other clerics to take pay cuts to save the jobs of other employees.&nbsp;

"The Devil is taking advantage of the crisis to sow distrust, desperation and discord," he said, adding that the pandemic had brought physical, psychological and spiritual suffering.&nbsp;

Since he was elected in 2013, Francis has made clear that he believes the devil to be real, saying in a 2018 document that it was mistaken to consider him a myth.&nbsp;

In both his homily during the Mass and his comments afterward, Francis said the pandemic made it more important than ever to look after those in difficulty, the poor and the suffering.&nbsp;

Nearly everyone, who took part in the Mass, except the pope and the choir, wore masks.&nbsp;

In a small-scale version of a traditional Palm Sunday service, the 84-year-old pope and the cardinals processed to the altar holding palm fronds.&nbsp;

Palm Sunday commemorates the day the gospels say Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed by the people, only to be crucified five days later.&nbsp;

During the Mass, the pope had a pronounced limp. He suffers from sciatica, which causes pain in his legs when it flares up.&nbsp;

The remainder of the pope's Holy Week services - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter next Sunday, will also take place with a limited number of participants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic.

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic. In pre-coronavirus times, Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week and leads to Easter, tens of thousands of people would pack St Peter's Square holding olive branches and intricately woven palm fronds in an outdoor ceremony. Instead, only about 120 members of the faithful participated in Sunday's Mass, joining the pope and about 30 cardinals in a secondary wing of the huge basilica. "Last year, we were shocked. This year, we are more under pressure and the economic crisis has become heavy," Francis said, in his traditional Sunday noon address after the Mass. Italy is in the midst of another national lockdown, which is due to end after Easter. On Wednesday, the pope ordered cardinals and other clerics to take pay cuts to save the jobs of other employees. "The Devil is taking advantage of the crisis to sow distrust, desperation and discord," he said, adding that the pandemic had brought physical, psychological and spiritual suffering. Since he was elected in 2013, Francis has made clear that he believes the devil to be real, saying in a 2018 document that it was mistaken to consider him a myth. In both his homily during the Mass and his comments afterward, Francis said the pandemic made it more important than ever to look after those in difficulty, the poor and the suffering. Nearly everyone, who took part in the Mass, except the pope and the choir, wore masks. In a small-scale version of a traditional Palm Sunday service, the 84-year-old pope and the cardinals processed to the altar holding palm fronds. Palm Sunday commemorates the day the gospels say Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed by the people, only to be crucified five days later. During the Mass, the pope had a pronounced limp. He suffers from sciatica, which causes pain in his legs when it flares up. The remainder of the pope's Holy Week services - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter next Sunday, will also take place with a limited number of participants. (With inputs from agencies)

On Palm Sunday, Pope says devil taking advantage of pandemic 

Pope Francis has ordered cardinals to take a 10% pay cut and reduced the salaries of most other clerics working in the Vatican in order to save jobs of employees as the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Holy See's income.&nbsp;

The Vatican said on Wednesday that Francis issued a decree introducing proportional cuts starting on April 1. A spokesman said most lay employees would not be affected by the cuts.&nbsp;

A senior Vatican prelate said it was believed to be the first time in living memory that a pope had taken such action.&nbsp;

Francis, 84, and from a working-class family, has often insisted he does not want to fire people in difficult economic times, even as the Vatican continues to run up deficits.&nbsp;

Cardinals, who work at the Vatican and live there or in Rome, are believed to get salaries of about 4,000 to 5,000 euros ($4,730 to $5,915) a month, and many live in large apartments at well below market rents.&nbsp;

Most priests and nuns, who work in Vatican departments, live in religious communities in Rome, such as seminaries, convents, parishes, universities and schools - giving them greater protection from economic downturns.&nbsp;

They have much lower living expenses than lay employees, such as police, ushers, firefighters, cleaners, art restorers and maintenance personnel, who live in Rome and many of whom have families.&nbsp;

It is these lay workers, who the pope appeared to want to protect, as most of their employment levels were not listed in the papal decree. Vatican pay grades go from levels 1-10 for most employees. Senior positions have four grades, from C to C-3.&nbsp;

Apart from the cardinals, other clerics will see their salaries reduced by between 3% and 8%. Programmed pay rises for all but the three lowest pay grades will be suspended until March 2023.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis has ordered cardinals to take a 10% pay cut and reduced the salaries of most other clerics working in the Vatican in order to save jobs of employees as the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Holy See's income.

Pope Francis has ordered cardinals to take a 10% pay cut and reduced the salaries of most other clerics working in the Vatican in order to save jobs of employees as the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Holy See's income. The Vatican said on Wednesday that Francis issued a decree introducing proportional cuts starting on April 1. A spokesman said most lay employees would not be affected by the cuts. A senior Vatican prelate said it was believed to be the first time in living memory that a pope had taken such action. Francis, 84, and from a working-class family, has often insisted he does not want to fire people in difficult economic times, even as the Vatican continues to run up deficits. Cardinals, who work at the Vatican and live there or in Rome, are believed to get salaries of about 4,000 to 5,000 euros ($4,730 to $5,915) a month, and many live in large apartments at well below market rents. Most priests and nuns, who work in Vatican departments, live in religious communities in Rome, such as seminaries, convents, parishes, universities and schools - giving them greater protection from economic downturns. They have much lower living expenses than lay employees, such as police, ushers, firefighters, cleaners, art restorers and maintenance personnel, who live in Rome and many of whom have families. It is these lay workers, who the pope appeared to want to protect, as most of their employment levels were not listed in the papal decree. Vatican pay grades go from levels 1-10 for most employees. Senior positions have four grades, from C to C-3. Apart from the cardinals, other clerics will see their salaries reduced by between 3% and 8%. Programmed pay rises for all but the three lowest pay grades will be suspended until March 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Pope orders salary cuts for cardinals, to save jobs of employees

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan. His visit has come just weeks before the May 1 deadline for US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pope Francis urged people to fight&nbsp;organised&nbsp;crime such as the 'mafias'&nbsp;on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit.&nbsp;Read this and more in Top 10 World News at this time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-austin-pays-unannounced-visit-to-afghanistan-report-372092">US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pays surprise visit to Afghanistan&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Austin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8ee5b5a-f669-4e70-b43d-4143edd152c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%202.jpg" />

Austin's reported Afghanistan visit has come on the heels of him being in India&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-nuclear-arms-plan-is-illegal-russian-envoy-372084">UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfde1f60-4442-46aa-a94b-683640f749f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%203.jpg" />

The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-vs-mafia-holy-father-urges-people-to-fight-organised-crime-372097">Pope Francis vs Mafia? Holy Father urges people to fight&nbsp;organised&nbsp;crime&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Pope" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3eda3c7-daa9-4125-ab9a-e46d72c5c92e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%204.jpg" />

Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win&nbsp;favour&nbsp;with people&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-clarifies-its-vaccine-has-no-pork-derived-ingredients-372044">AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3cd89fea-22d0-42bb-8b6f-4e70083d22d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%205.jpg" />

Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas."

&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-japan-affirm-cooperation-over-taiwan-emergency-372064">US and Japan affirm cooperation over Taiwan emergency&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="US, Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd3684d8-b290-4df7-879e-fdbecea8e86d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%206.jpg" />

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. To this end, Tokyo’s policy on China-Taiwan relations has always been to encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-pledges-to-prevent-coronavirus-resurgence-as-emergency-measures-end-372098">Japan PM pledges to prevent coronavirus' resurgence as emergency measures end</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Suga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0b3bc2d-4145-478a-aeeb-aef454e69888" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%207.jpg" />

Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to&nbsp;minimise&nbsp;burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pilots-bumpy-all-terrain-rig-on-siberian-holiday-372096">Putin pilots bumpy all-terrain rig on Siberian holiday&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2599a2bd-9bf9-49ef-9190-0136e6d71b25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%208.jpg" />

Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it&nbsp;barrelled&nbsp;over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-us-envoy-anatoly-antonov-returns-to-moscow-after-killer-row-372093">Russia's US envoy Anatoly Antonov returns to Moscow after 'killer' row&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Russia US envoy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8fa8a4f6-1945-4ba8-9e0d-51c6e430221d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%209.jpg" />

Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paraguay-president-survives-impeachment-bid-by-opposition-over-pandemic-372087">Paraguay president survives impeachment bid by opposition over pandemic&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Paraguay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22b1e2fb-1321-4acd-8f24-cf2f60b7ab5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%2010.jpg" />

Abdo's conservative government has faced fierce protests in recent weeks as a surge in Covid-19 cases has left hospitals on the brink of collapse and out of drugs, while the country has been slow to secure vaccines&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-stares-into-the-abyss-as-covid-19-surge-pushes-hospitals-to-brink-of-collapse-372071">Brazil stares into the abyss as Covid-19 surge pushes hospitals to brink of collapse&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42feffde-0b1b-43ca-bf09-735f699044ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%2011.jpg" />

It is being reported that the Covid intensive care units in virtually all of Brazil’s 26 states and the federal district containing the capital, Brasília, are now either at, or perilously close to capacity.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan. His visit has come just weeks before the May 1 deadline for US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan. His visit has come just weeks before the May 1 deadline for US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the 'mafias' on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit. Read this and more in Top 10 World News at this time. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pays surprise visit to Afghanistan Austin's reported Afghanistan visit has come on the heels of him being in India UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control Pope Francis vs Mafia? Holy Father urges people to fight organised crime Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win favour with people AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas." US and Japan affirm cooperation over Taiwan emergency China regards Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. To this end, Tokyo’s policy on China-Taiwan relations has always been to encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions. Japan PM pledges to prevent coronavirus' resurgence as emergency measures end Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge Putin pilots bumpy all-terrain rig on Siberian holiday Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it barrelled over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch Russia's US envoy Anatoly Antonov returns to Moscow after 'killer' row Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat Paraguay president survives impeachment bid by opposition over pandemic Abdo's conservative government has faced fierce protests in recent weeks as a surge in Covid-19 cases has left hospitals on the brink of collapse and out of drugs, while the country has been slow to secure vaccines Brazil stares into the abyss as Covid-19 surge pushes hospitals to brink of collapse It is being reported that the Covid intensive care units in virtually all of Brazil’s 26 states and the federal district containing the capital, Brasília, are now either at, or perilously close to capacity.

Top 10 world news: Austin in Afghanistan, Pope asks to fight crime and more 

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

"I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square.

Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq.

In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more.

In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting.

He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria."

(With AFP inputs)

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts.

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City. "I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square. Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq. In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting. He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria." (With AFP inputs)

Pope says 10th anniversary of Syrian war must speed up peace efforts

Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq. This is first-ever papal visit to the country. His tour on Sunday will take him to Mosul, an ancient city which became a stronghold of the Islamic State when the terrorist group swept across Iraq and Syria.

84-year-old Pope met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday which was hailed as a 'historic moment'.

"We all hope that this visit will be a good omen for the Iraqi people," Adnane Youssef, a Christian from northern Iraq, told AFP. "We hope that it will lead to better days."

On Saturday, Pope Francis commented on use of religion by terrorists.

"We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said at an interfaith service

The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population.

Pope Francis on Saturday, held his first public mass on his Iraq tour in church of St. Joseph in central Baghdad.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity", said one worshipper as she wiped away tears and cheered as the Pope left the Saint Joseph Chaldean Cathedral.

He's the first head of the Roman Catholic church to preside over a mass in Iraq.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-top-shiite-cleric-plead-for-peace-in-historic-iraq-meeting-368503">Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting</a>

"This very important visit will boost our morale after years of difficulties, problems and wars," said an Iraqi Christian leader, Father George Jahoula.&nbsp;

Rebuilding efforts&nbsp;

Back in 2014, when IS militants swept across one-third of Iraq, Pope Francis had said he was ready to come to meet the displaced and other victims of war. &nbsp;

Seven years later, after a stop early Sunday in the Kurdish north of Iraq, he will see for himself the devastated Old City of Mosul and efforts to rebuild it.

Pope Francis will also visit Qaraqosh, further east in the Nineveh Plain, which is one of Iraq's oldest Christian towns.

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq.

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq. This is first-ever papal visit to the country. His tour on Sunday will take him to Mosul, an ancient city which became a stronghold of the Islamic State when the terrorist group swept across Iraq and Syria. 84-year-old Pope met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday which was hailed as a 'historic moment'. "We all hope that this visit will be a good omen for the Iraqi people," Adnane Youssef, a Christian from northern Iraq, told AFP. "We hope that it will lead to better days." On Saturday, Pope Francis commented on use of religion by terrorists. "We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said at an interfaith service The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population. Pope Francis on Saturday, held his first public mass on his Iraq tour in church of St. Joseph in central Baghdad. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity", said one worshipper as she wiped away tears and cheered as the Pope left the Saint Joseph Chaldean Cathedral. He's the first head of the Roman Catholic church to preside over a mass in Iraq. Also Read | Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting "This very important visit will boost our morale after years of difficulties, problems and wars," said an Iraqi Christian leader, Father George Jahoula. Rebuilding efforts Back in 2014, when IS militants swept across one-third of Iraq, Pope Francis had said he was ready to come to meet the displaced and other victims of war. Seven years later, after a stop early Sunday in the Kurdish north of Iraq, he will see for himself the devastated Old City of Mosul and efforts to rebuild it. Pope Francis will also visit Qaraqosh, further east in the Nineveh Plain, which is one of Iraq's oldest Christian towns. (With AFP inputs)

Pope to meet Iraqi Christians in former Islamic State strongholds 

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years. Pope prayed in a centuries-old church in Mosul, which is an ancient city. Mosul was heavily damaged as fight with Islamic State raged.

Pope Francis said that exodus&nbsp;of Christians from Iraq and West Asia "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind." Pope landed in Mosul on Sunday. He arrived in a convoy of five helicopters and amid extremely tight security.

Sunday (March 7) is the last day of Pope's visit to Iraq, a historic development as this is first-ever papal visit to the country. The second day of Pope's Iraq visit marked a momentous occasion as he met Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, top religious leader of Shiite Muslims. Both the leaders met at Sistani's residence.

In the evening on Saturday, Pope held a mass in Baghdad's St. Joseph Cathedral. This was the first time that a Pope presided over a mass in this Cathedral.

See Pics| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pope-francis-holds-mass-in-st-joseph-cathedral-in-iraq-368572">Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq</a>

The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population.

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years.

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years. Pope prayed in a centuries-old church in Mosul, which is an ancient city. Mosul was heavily damaged as fight with Islamic State raged. Pope Francis said that exodus of Christians from Iraq and West Asia "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind." Pope landed in Mosul on Sunday. He arrived in a convoy of five helicopters and amid extremely tight security. Sunday (March 7) is the last day of Pope's visit to Iraq, a historic development as this is first-ever papal visit to the country. The second day of Pope's Iraq visit marked a momentous occasion as he met Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, top religious leader of Shiite Muslims. Both the leaders met at Sistani's residence. In the evening on Saturday, Pope held a mass in Baghdad's St. Joseph Cathedral. This was the first time that a Pope presided over a mass in this Cathedral. See Pics| Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population. (With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq

Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue.

In the meeting on the second day of the pope's first-ever papal visit to Iraq, Sistani told him that the country's Christians should live in "peace".

Pope Francis' meeting with the grand ayatollah in Najaf lasted 50 minutes, and Sistani's office put out a statement shortly afterwards thanking him for visiting the holy city.

Sistani "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said.

His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Pope Francis later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

The pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both reassure the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and expand his dialogue with other faiths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-moment-pope-francis-meets-top-shiite-religious-leader-grand-ayatollah-ali-sistani-in-iraq-368394">Also read | Historic moment: Pope Francis meets top Shiite religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq</a>

The pontiff had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters featured a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.&nbsp;

"People are of two kinds, either your&nbsp;brothers&nbsp;in faith or your equals in&nbsp;humanity," read the banners. &nbsp;

Francis then headed straight to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham is believed to have been born in the second millenium BC.

"It all started from here," Francis said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities.

There were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians.

Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavilion set up for the visit.

Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40 million whose Christian population has shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution.

During his address, the pope said&nbsp;freedom of conscience and of religion were "fundamental rights" that should be respected everywhere.

"We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule.

He also made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

"Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East.&nbsp;Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria," he said.

Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope headed back to Baghdad to celebrate his first public mass in the country, at the Saint Joseph Cathedral.

Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has earlier met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue.

Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue. In the meeting on the second day of the pope's first-ever papal visit to Iraq, Sistani told him that the country's Christians should live in "peace". Pope Francis' meeting with the grand ayatollah in Najaf lasted 50 minutes, and Sistani's office put out a statement shortly afterwards thanking him for visiting the holy city. Sistani "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said. His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah. Pope Francis later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict. The pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both reassure the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and expand his dialogue with other faiths. Also read | Historic moment: Pope Francis meets top Shiite religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq The pontiff had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters featured a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city. "People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners. Francis then headed straight to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham is believed to have been born in the second millenium BC. "It all started from here," Francis said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities. There were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians. Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavilion set up for the visit. Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40 million whose Christian population has shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution. During his address, the pope said freedom of conscience and of religion were "fundamental rights" that should be respected everywhere. "We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule. He also made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict. "Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East. Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria," he said. Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope headed back to Baghdad to celebrate his first public mass in the country, at the Saint Joseph Cathedral. Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has earlier met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. (with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

In Iraq, the pope appealed to the country's leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife. Even before he landed, he told reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make what he called an "emblematic" trip despite the difficulties because the country "has been martyred for so many years".

At the official welcome in the presidential palace, the 84-year-old Francis made an impassioned call for Iraqi to finally give peacemakers chance.

"May the clash of arms be silenced ... may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism," he said.

President Barham Salih thanked the pope for making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq "despite the many recommendations to delay" because of the pandemic and other challenges in "our wounded country".

In his speech at the palace, Francis criticised factional and foreign interests that have destabilised Iraq and the wider region and hit ordinary people the hardest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-baghdad-on-historic-visit-to-iraq-368229">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on historic visit to Iraq</a>

"Iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars, the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups," Francis said.

He later paid tribute to people killed in attacks motivated by religion, visiting a Baghdad church where Islamist gunmen killed about 50 worshippers in 2010.

Their deaths were a reminder that "violence or the shedding of blood are incompatible with authentic religious teachings", he said.

Iraq's security has improved since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, but the country continues to be a theatre for global and regional score-settling, especially a bitter US-Iran rivalry that has played out on Iraqi soil.

The US invasion of 2003, after years of international sanctions and a devastating war with Iran instigated by former leader Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, plunged Iraq into sectarian conflict and chronic mismanagement that has plagued it since.

The pope's whirlwind four-day tour will take him by plane, helicopter and cars to four cities, including areas that most foreign dignitaries are unable to reach, let alone in such a short space of time.

On Saturday the pope will hold an unprecedented meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in the southern city of Najaf. He will also visit Ur, birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and will return to say Mass in Baghdad.

On Sunday Francis travels north to Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State, where churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases. In Iraq, the pope appealed to the country's leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife. Even before he landed, he told reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make what he called an "emblematic" trip despite the difficulties because the country "has been martyred for so many years". At the official welcome in the presidential palace, the 84-year-old Francis made an impassioned call for Iraqi to finally give peacemakers chance. "May the clash of arms be silenced ... may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism," he said. President Barham Salih thanked the pope for making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq "despite the many recommendations to delay" because of the pandemic and other challenges in "our wounded country". In his speech at the palace, Francis criticised factional and foreign interests that have destabilised Iraq and the wider region and hit ordinary people the hardest. Also read | Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on historic visit to Iraq "Iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars, the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups," Francis said. He later paid tribute to people killed in attacks motivated by religion, visiting a Baghdad church where Islamist gunmen killed about 50 worshippers in 2010. Their deaths were a reminder that "violence or the shedding of blood are incompatible with authentic religious teachings", he said. Iraq's security has improved since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, but the country continues to be a theatre for global and regional score-settling, especially a bitter US-Iran rivalry that has played out on Iraqi soil. The US invasion of 2003, after years of international sanctions and a devastating war with Iran instigated by former leader Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, plunged Iraq into sectarian conflict and chronic mismanagement that has plagued it since. The pope's whirlwind four-day tour will take him by plane, helicopter and cars to four cities, including areas that most foreign dignitaries are unable to reach, let alone in such a short space of time. On Saturday the pope will hold an unprecedented meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in the southern city of Najaf. He will also visit Ur, birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and will return to say Mass in Baghdad. On Sunday Francis travels north to Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State, where churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict. (with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis urges Iraq to end violence and give peace a chance

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;

At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1. The Pope, who visited Myanmar in 2017, made his comments at the end of his general audience at&nbsp;the Vatican.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a former United Nations expert on the country on Wednesday urged foreign firms to suspend all business activity in Myanmar to send a clear message to the military that its coup will hurt its people and ruin its economy.&nbsp;

Chris Sidoti was part of an UN-led fact-finding mission, which in 2019 urged foreign firms to cut business ties with Myanmar's military over human rights abuses and pursue private sector investments there instead.&nbsp;

That position has hardened since a February 1 coup and an ensuing bloody crackdown on protesters, Sidoti said, because the military has retaken control of the country it ruled for almost half a century, making it now risky to do any business there.&nbsp;

"If businesses are responsible, they will put everything on hold at this point," said Sidoti, who has formed an independent advisory group on Myanmar with some other former UN investigators.&nbsp;

"It will send a very clear message to the military that may, hopefully, cause them to rethink their actions. The country cannot revert to military dictatorship without enormous harm to the people of Myanmar," he said.&nbsp;

Amid reports of being fired, Myanmar's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun on Wednesday sent letters to the world body insisting that he remains the legitimate representative of his country, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

In the letters dated on Monday, Kyaw Moe Tun wrote, "The perpetrators of the unlawful coup against the democratic government of Myanmar have no authority to countermand the legitimate authority of the president of my country.&nbsp;

"He claimed he remains Myanmar's permanent representative to the United Nations and rejected the country's military takeover. US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price, said at a news conference on Tuesday that the US government commends the bravery shown by Kyaw Moe Tun. He said the government understands that he remains in his position.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, Kyaw at a UN General Assembly meeting condemned his country's military for seizing power in a February 1 coup. He called on the international community to 'use any means necessary' to reverse the coup, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Myanmar's state-run television reported later that the ambassador was fired for betraying the country. A UN spokesperson revealed that Myanmar's foreign ministry had notified the world body that the country had appointed the current deputy ambassador to temporarily fill the role, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners. At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1.

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners. At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1. The Pope, who visited Myanmar in 2017, made his comments at the end of his general audience at the Vatican. Meanwhile, a former United Nations expert on the country on Wednesday urged foreign firms to suspend all business activity in Myanmar to send a clear message to the military that its coup will hurt its people and ruin its economy. Chris Sidoti was part of an UN-led fact-finding mission, which in 2019 urged foreign firms to cut business ties with Myanmar's military over human rights abuses and pursue private sector investments there instead. That position has hardened since a February 1 coup and an ensuing bloody crackdown on protesters, Sidoti said, because the military has retaken control of the country it ruled for almost half a century, making it now risky to do any business there. "If businesses are responsible, they will put everything on hold at this point," said Sidoti, who has formed an independent advisory group on Myanmar with some other former UN investigators. "It will send a very clear message to the military that may, hopefully, cause them to rethink their actions. The country cannot revert to military dictatorship without enormous harm to the people of Myanmar," he said. Amid reports of being fired, Myanmar's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun on Wednesday sent letters to the world body insisting that he remains the legitimate representative of his country, reported NHK World. In the letters dated on Monday, Kyaw Moe Tun wrote, "The perpetrators of the unlawful coup against the democratic government of Myanmar have no authority to countermand the legitimate authority of the president of my country. "He claimed he remains Myanmar's permanent representative to the United Nations and rejected the country's military takeover. US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price, said at a news conference on Tuesday that the US government commends the bravery shown by Kyaw Moe Tun. He said the government understands that he remains in his position. Earlier on Friday, Kyaw at a UN General Assembly meeting condemned his country's military for seizing power in a February 1 coup. He called on the international community to 'use any means necessary' to reverse the coup, reported NHK World. Myanmar's state-run television reported later that the ambassador was fired for betraying the country. A UN spokesperson revealed that Myanmar's foreign ministry had notified the world body that the country had appointed the current deputy ambassador to temporarily fill the role, reported NHK World.

Now, Pope calls for release of political prisoners in Myanmar 

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities".

Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019.

Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born.

Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts.

Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities.

Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures.

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities". Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019. Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born. Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts. Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities. Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq. (With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during Iraq visit

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests.

A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world.

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Even though exceptions regarding women were made earlier, most roles were limited to men.

Francis claims that the changes were made keeping in mind the "precious contribution" made by women in the church. Pope Francis also added how everyone who's baptised as part of Catholic tradition plays a major role in the mission of the Church.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/capitol-hill-violence-pope-francis-asks-americans-to-protect-democratic-values-355811" hreflang="en">Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values'</a> 
 
Now, the distinctions between the two types of ministries will run much deeper. The distinction between "ordained" ministers like priesthood and those open to laity will remain, as stated by Pope Francis. 
 
As of now, only men can become priests in the Vatican.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-francis-personal-doctor-dies-from-coronavirus-complications-355933" hreflang="en">Pope Francis’ personal doctor dies from coronavirus complications</a>

The Catholic Church has been under tremendous pressure to allow women to become deacons or ordained ministers who perform functions that run closer to what priests do. These including baptisms, funerals, and wedding-related ceremonies.

After Francis' first attempt to assess whether women could become deacons failed, the Pope has commissioned another enquiry into the matter. 
 
Once included, women would have a greater say in the ministry and dictates of the church. Critics also believe this could help tackle the shortage of priests across the globe.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests. A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests. A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world. Even though exceptions regarding women were made earlier, most roles were limited to men. Francis claims that the changes were made keeping in mind the "precious contribution" made by women in the church. Pope Francis also added how everyone who's baptised as part of Catholic tradition plays a major role in the mission of the Church. Also read: Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values' Now, the distinctions between the two types of ministries will run much deeper. The distinction between "ordained" ministers like priesthood and those open to laity will remain, as stated by Pope Francis. As of now, only men can become priests in the Vatican. Also read: Pope Francis’ personal doctor dies from coronavirus complications The Catholic Church has been under tremendous pressure to allow women to become deacons or ordained ministers who perform functions that run closer to what priests do. These including baptisms, funerals, and wedding-related ceremonies. After Francis' first attempt to assess whether women could become deacons failed, the Pope has commissioned another enquiry into the matter. Once included, women would have a greater say in the ministry and dictates of the church. Critics also believe this could help tackle the shortage of priests across the globe.

Pope Francis says women can now read at Mass, priesthood still a distant dream

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week.&nbsp;In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as&nbsp;"suicidal denial".

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Earlier, Pope Francis had referred to the vaccines as a "glimmer of hope", claiming that they should be given to everybody. During his Christmas message, Pope Francis described the ongoing coronavirus crisis as a period of "darkness and uncertainty".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-comes-under-scanner-as-bombshell-report-claims-18-billion-transfer-that-vatican-denies-354473" hreflang="en">Pope comes under scanner as bombshell report claims $1.8 billion transfer that Vatican denies</a>

He had also said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need.&nbsp;

"I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said.&nbsp;

The Pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-criticises-people-going-on-holiday-to-flee-covid-lockdowns-354239" hreflang="en">Pope criticises people going on holiday to flee COVID lockdowns</a>

He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region.&nbsp;

"On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said.

"May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of goodwill, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace", he added.

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week. In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as "suicidal denial".

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week. In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as "suicidal denial". Earlier, Pope Francis had referred to the vaccines as a "glimmer of hope", claiming that they should be given to everybody. During his Christmas message, Pope Francis described the ongoing coronavirus crisis as a period of "darkness and uncertainty". Also read: Pope comes under scanner as bombshell report claims $1.8 billion transfer that Vatican denies He had also said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need. "I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said. The Pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters". Also read: Pope criticises people going on holiday to flee COVID lockdowns He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region. "On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said. "May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of goodwill, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace", he added.

Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

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The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not.&nbsp;

In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place.

Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged.

However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors. ALSO READ: Jeremy Corbyn's brother arrested again in London's anti-lockdown protests The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not. In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place. Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged. However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country". Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope accepts resignation of Minsk archbishop who angered Lukashenko

With a ball made from rags and surging adrenaline, the young Jorge Bergoglio and his friends pulled off "miracles" playing football in the street, Pope Francis recalled on Saturday.

Now 84, the Argentine pope remembered "the joy, the happiness on everyone's faces," after the 1946 victory of his Buenos Aires team, San Lorenzo, in a 31-page interview about sport published Saturday in Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The first pope from Latin America called Diego Maradona a "poet" on the field, as he weighed in on the joys of sport.

Expounding on themes of hard work, sacrifice and camaraderie, Francis shared memories of the makeshift footballs that sufficed to exhilarate him and his boyhood friends.

"Leather cost too much and we were poor, rubber wasn't used so much yet, but for us all we needed was a ball of rags to amuse ourselves and to create miracles, almost, playing in the little square near home," Pope Francis said.

Acknowledging he was "not among the best" of the footballers, Bergoglio played goalkeeper, which he characterised as a good school for learning how to respond to "dangers that could arrive from anywhere".

The pontiff — described by the paper as "a pope of the people in the most noble sense of the term" — touched on the need for teamwork and working towards a shared goal.

"Either you play together, or you risk crashing. That's how small groups, capable of staying united, succeed in taking down bigger teams incapable of working together," he said.

The interview, which took place in early December at the Vatican, also saw the pope condemn doping in sport and stress the need to nurture talent through hard work.

"It's not only a cheat, a shortcut that revokes dignity, but it's also wanting to steal from God that spark which, through his mysterious ways, he gave to some in a special and greater form," he said.

With a ball made from rags and surging adrenaline, the young Jorge Bergoglio and his friends pulled off "miracles" playing football in the street, Pope Francis recalled on Saturday.

With a ball made from rags and surging adrenaline, the young Jorge Bergoglio and his friends pulled off "miracles" playing football in the street, Pope Francis recalled on Saturday. Now 84, the Argentine pope remembered "the joy, the happiness on everyone's faces," after the 1946 victory of his Buenos Aires team, San Lorenzo, in a 31-page interview about sport published Saturday in Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport. The first pope from Latin America called Diego Maradona a "poet" on the field, as he weighed in on the joys of sport. Expounding on themes of hard work, sacrifice and camaraderie, Francis shared memories of the makeshift footballs that sufficed to exhilarate him and his boyhood friends. "Leather cost too much and we were poor, rubber wasn't used so much yet, but for us all we needed was a ball of rags to amuse ourselves and to create miracles, almost, playing in the little square near home," Pope Francis said. Acknowledging he was "not among the best" of the footballers, Bergoglio played goalkeeper, which he characterised as a good school for learning how to respond to "dangers that could arrive from anywhere". The pontiff — described by the paper as "a pope of the people in the most noble sense of the term" — touched on the need for teamwork and working towards a shared goal. "Either you play together, or you risk crashing. That's how small groups, capable of staying united, succeed in taking down bigger teams incapable of working together," he said. The interview, which took place in early December at the Vatican, also saw the pope condemn doping in sport and stress the need to nurture talent through hard work. "It's not only a cheat, a shortcut that revokes dignity, but it's also wanting to steal from God that spark which, through his mysterious ways, he gave to some in a special and greater form," he said.

Pope recalls meeting Maradona, says ‘he was a poet on field’

The Vatican's most powerful office has been stripped of its financial assets after dubious investments squandered millions in church donations. But, the fallout of this scandal is not the only crisis that the Pope must deal with. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Vatican's most powerful office stripped of its financial assets

A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of&nbsp;stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come&nbsp;after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations.

The scandal and the pandemic have now thrown up a bigger crisis for the pope — a budget deficit.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-glimmer-of-hope-must-be-given-to-all-pope-francis-352409">Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis</a>

Pope Francis has cut off the purse strings of the secretariat of state — the executive arm of the holy see. All of its financial holdings and real estate assets are being transferred to another office after a rather embarrassing scandal.

More than a year ago,&nbsp;the Vatican had conducted an unprecedented raid. The target was the offices of the banking regulator. The trigger was the mismanagement of donations.

Reports say some of it was used to buy a costly property in London for more than 300 million euros ($366 million) — a price that was well over the market value. The bill was inflated by middlemen by well over 100 million euros, according to one report. A detailed scrutiny of accounts revealed several dubious investments.&nbsp;Reports say&nbsp;they happened without the supervision of the central economic institutions.

Now Pope Francis seems to be taking matters in his own hands as he plans to bring in a committee of outside experts. They are expected to set new financial and ethical guidelines. The Vatican is also looking to tighten its belt as&nbsp;its coffers could be running dry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-in-near-empty-service-352214">WATCH|</a>

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This year, the Vatican is staring a major budget deficit. For most years, it has ranged between 60 to 70 million euros. This year, it could rise up to 100 million euros.

The pandemic has hit the earnings of the church. Collections from the museums of Vatican city tend to deliver a profit of more than 40 million euros. However,&nbsp;this year, all museums remained closed for long periods because of the coronavirus and the Vatican lost millions in revenue.

Pope Francis faces his biggest test now, as he was elected on a mandate to reform the Vatican's finances. However, this task has proved to be a major challenge in the past seven years.

Thanks to the pushback from the Vatican bureaucrats, now the scandals have battered the reputation of the catholic church and the budget deficit are causing more embarrassment.

Last year's budget deficit was plugged using donations meant for the poor, with the deficit now expected to touch 100 million euros. The Pope surey faces challenging times ahead.

A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations.

A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations. The scandal and the pandemic have now thrown up a bigger crisis for the pope — a budget deficit. Also read| Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis Pope Francis has cut off the purse strings of the secretariat of state — the executive arm of the holy see. All of its financial holdings and real estate assets are being transferred to another office after a rather embarrassing scandal. More than a year ago, the Vatican had conducted an unprecedented raid. The target was the offices of the banking regulator. The trigger was the mismanagement of donations. Reports say some of it was used to buy a costly property in London for more than 300 million euros ($366 million) — a price that was well over the market value. The bill was inflated by middlemen by well over 100 million euros, according to one report. A detailed scrutiny of accounts revealed several dubious investments. Reports say they happened without the supervision of the central economic institutions. Now Pope Francis seems to be taking matters in his own hands as he plans to bring in a committee of outside experts. They are expected to set new financial and ethical guidelines. The Vatican is also looking to tighten its belt as its coffers could be running dry. WATCH| × This year, the Vatican is staring a major budget deficit. For most years, it has ranged between 60 to 70 million euros. This year, it could rise up to 100 million euros. The pandemic has hit the earnings of the church. Collections from the museums of Vatican city tend to deliver a profit of more than 40 million euros. However, this year, all museums remained closed for long periods because of the coronavirus and the Vatican lost millions in revenue. Pope Francis faces his biggest test now, as he was elected on a mandate to reform the Vatican's finances. However, this task has proved to be a major challenge in the past seven years. Thanks to the pushback from the Vatican bureaucrats, now the scandals have battered the reputation of the catholic church and the budget deficit are causing more embarrassment. Last year's budget deficit was plugged using donations meant for the poor, with the deficit now expected to touch 100 million euros. The Pope surey faces challenging times ahead.

Pope Francis reorganizes Vatican's financial resources amid coronavirus and dubious investments

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050.

Francis, who has championed environmental causes since his election in 2013, told a U.N. climate summit the 108-acre (44-hectare) city-state surrounded by Rome would be doing its bit to fight climate change.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-model-going-to-heaven-after-pope-francis-likes-her-image-on-instagram-344246">Brazilian model going to 'heaven' after Pope Francis likes her image on Instagram</a>

"The current pandemic and climate change, which are not only environmentally relevant, but also ethically, socially, economically and politically, affect, above all, the lives of the poorest and most fragile," he said in a video message to the summit.

"In addition to adopting some measures that cannot be postponed any longer, a strategy is needed to reduce net emissions to zero," Francis said.

He committed the Vatican "to reducing net emissions to zero by 2050," as well as intensifying environmental management efforts and furthering the rational use of natural resources such as water and planting more trees.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-make-first-trip-from-vatican-to-iraq-in-march-2021-348143">Pope Francis to make first trip from Vatican to Iraq in March 2021</a>

A Vatican statement said the city-state was moving ahead with plans to substitute all its combustion engine cars with electric or hybrid vehicles.

It said the Vatican, which began installing solar panels in 2008 and banned single-use plastic bags last year, was now recycling 65% of its waste and aimed to reach 75% in 2023.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-installs-new-cardinals-including-first-african-american-346172">Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American</a>

In his address, Francis said the Holy See was committed to promoting, in Catholic schools and elsewhere, "an education for integral ecology" to favour development and sustainability and encourage economic policies that respect the environment.

In 2015, Francis wrote a landmark encyclical "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) on the need to protect nature. It backed scientific evidence that human activity was to blame for global warming.

Francis also strongly backed the Paris agreement to limit the global rise of temperatures and has said he was saddened by U.S. President Donald Trump`s decision to withdraw from it.

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050.

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050. Francis, who has championed environmental causes since his election in 2013, told a U.N. climate summit the 108-acre (44-hectare) city-state surrounded by Rome would be doing its bit to fight climate change. Also read| Brazilian model going to 'heaven' after Pope Francis likes her image on Instagram "The current pandemic and climate change, which are not only environmentally relevant, but also ethically, socially, economically and politically, affect, above all, the lives of the poorest and most fragile," he said in a video message to the summit. "In addition to adopting some measures that cannot be postponed any longer, a strategy is needed to reduce net emissions to zero," Francis said. He committed the Vatican "to reducing net emissions to zero by 2050," as well as intensifying environmental management efforts and furthering the rational use of natural resources such as water and planting more trees. Also read| Pope Francis to make first trip from Vatican to Iraq in March 2021 A Vatican statement said the city-state was moving ahead with plans to substitute all its combustion engine cars with electric or hybrid vehicles. It said the Vatican, which began installing solar panels in 2008 and banned single-use plastic bags last year, was now recycling 65% of its waste and aimed to reach 75% in 2023. Also read| Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American In his address, Francis said the Holy See was committed to promoting, in Catholic schools and elsewhere, "an education for integral ecology" to favour development and sustainability and encourage economic policies that respect the environment. In 2015, Francis wrote a landmark encyclical "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) on the need to protect nature. It backed scientific evidence that human activity was to blame for global warming. Francis also strongly backed the Paris agreement to limit the global rise of temperatures and has said he was saddened by U.S. President Donald Trump`s decision to withdraw from it.

Pope commits Vatican to net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Pope Francis on Wednesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as a tough "lady" taskmaster who must be obeyed, but he and most close aides did not wear masks at his general audience.

At the start of the indoor audience Francis apologised to people for not coming down from the marble stage.

"I will stay up here. I would very much like to come down and greet each of you but we have to keep our distances," he said to the crowd of several hundred, nearly all wearing masks.

"If I come down, immediately people will form groups ... and this is against the care, the precautions, we must have in the face of this lady named COVID, who is doing us much harm," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-francis-to-celebrate-christmas-without-congregation-report-338164" hreflang="en">Pope Francis to celebrate Christmas without congregation: Report&nbsp;</a>

The pope and most aides and translators on the stage did not wear masks. Swiss Guards and official photographers on the stage wore masks but bishops and priests who greeted the pope close up removed their masks as they approached him.

Thirteen Swiss Guards and a resident of the guest house where the pope lives have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed because of an illness when he was a young man, has come under fire, mostly on social media, for not always wearing a mask in public.

On Oct. 20, he wore a mask for several hours at a prayer service in Rome with other religious leaders, taking it off only when he spoke. Last Saturday, no-one in the pope's private library wore a mask when he spoke with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his delegation.

In a video conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Father Augusto Zampini, a member of a Vatican commission the pope set up to advise him on the social effects of the crisis, acknowledged Francis' inconsistency.

"We are trying to convince him, we are almost there," Zampini said.

Pope Francis on Wednesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as a tough "lady" taskmaster who must be obeyed, but he and most close aides did not wear masks at his general audience.

Pope Francis on Wednesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as a tough "lady" taskmaster who must be obeyed, but he and most close aides did not wear masks at his general audience. At the start of the indoor audience Francis apologised to people for not coming down from the marble stage. "I will stay up here. I would very much like to come down and greet each of you but we have to keep our distances," he said to the crowd of several hundred, nearly all wearing masks. "If I come down, immediately people will form groups ... and this is against the care, the precautions, we must have in the face of this lady named COVID, who is doing us much harm," he said. Also read: Pope Francis to celebrate Christmas without congregation: Report The pope and most aides and translators on the stage did not wear masks. Swiss Guards and official photographers on the stage wore masks but bishops and priests who greeted the pope close up removed their masks as they approached him. Thirteen Swiss Guards and a resident of the guest house where the pope lives have recently tested positive for COVID-19. The pope, who had part of one lung removed because of an illness when he was a young man, has come under fire, mostly on social media, for not always wearing a mask in public. On Oct. 20, he wore a mask for several hours at a prayer service in Rome with other religious leaders, taking it off only when he spoke. Last Saturday, no-one in the pope's private library wore a mask when he spoke with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his delegation. In a video conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Father Augusto Zampini, a member of a Vatican commission the pope set up to advise him on the social effects of the crisis, acknowledged Francis' inconsistency. "We are trying to convince him, we are almost there," Zampini said.

Pope says 'lady' COVID must be obeyed, forgoes mask

In a landmark, Pope Francis move has endorsed same-sex civil unions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the Vatican is not surprised.

Gravitas: Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions

The Vatican has abandoned the Christians of China. Beijing & the Holy See have announced a 2-year extension of a 2018 agreement on the appointment of Chinese bishops. WION's Palki Sharma asks: Why is Pope Francis turning a blind eye to China's atrocities on Christians?

Gravitas: Vatican-China renew 'power-sharing' deal

Pope Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday when he and other religious leaders attended a prayer service for peace around the world.

The pope wore a white mask during the service at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Previously he wore masks only in a car taking him to his weekly audiences in the Vatican.

He had come under some criticism, particularly on social media, for not wearing a mask at his general audiences and sometimes coming in relatively close contact with visitors.

Francis, 83, attended the service with other Christian leaders in the basilica, including the Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians.

Simultaneously in other locations in Rome, Jews were praying in the city`s synagogue and Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim leaders also prayed for peace.

The event took place as the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has risen steadily in Italy in the past few weeks.

There has also been a relatively small spike in the Vatican, where four members of the Swiss Guards, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, have also tested positive for COVID-19.

The annual event was started by the late Pope John Paul and Rome`s Catholic Community of Sant` Egido in 1986. It was scaled down this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pope took off his mask while he read his address, as did other leaders when they spoke, but put it back on when he finished speaking.

The pope had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina. He sometimes breathes heavily after climbing steps.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the world`s Anglicans, was to have attended the event but could not because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Pope Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday when he and other religious leaders attended a prayer service for peace around the world.

Pope Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday when he and other religious leaders attended a prayer service for peace around the world. The pope wore a white mask during the service at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Previously he wore masks only in a car taking him to his weekly audiences in the Vatican. He had come under some criticism, particularly on social media, for not wearing a mask at his general audiences and sometimes coming in relatively close contact with visitors. Francis, 83, attended the service with other Christian leaders in the basilica, including the Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians. Simultaneously in other locations in Rome, Jews were praying in the city`s synagogue and Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim leaders also prayed for peace. The event took place as the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has risen steadily in Italy in the past few weeks. There has also been a relatively small spike in the Vatican, where four members of the Swiss Guards, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, have also tested positive for COVID-19. The annual event was started by the late Pope John Paul and Rome`s Catholic Community of Sant` Egido in 1986. It was scaled down this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The pope took off his mask while he read his address, as did other leaders when they spoke, but put it back on when he finished speaking. The pope had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina. He sometimes breathes heavily after climbing steps. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the world`s Anglicans, was to have attended the event but could not because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Pope wears mask for first time at public service

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders.

"I want to say a word of encouragement and support for the fishermen who have been held in Libya for more than a month, and for their families (who) are hoping to be able to embrace their dear ones soon," Francis said at his weekly blessing in St. Peter`s Square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-resident-tests-positive-for-covid-19-pope-tested-negative-336032">Also read|&nbsp;Vatican resident tests positive for COVID-19; Pope tested negative</a>

Libyan patrol boats detained two Sicilian fishing boats on September 1 and brought the crews to Benghazi, where the military commander Haftar holds sway. The crews, made up of Italians and Tunisians, were accused of operating in Libya`s territorial waters.

The fishing grounds have been disputed since 2005, when Libya`s then ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, unilaterally extended Libyan territorial waters to 74 nautical miles offshore from 12. Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, is trying to enforce this.

Italian newspapers have reported that Haftar wants Italy to hand over four Libyan nationals convicted of human trafficking in return for freeing the fishermen. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament on Thursday that such an exchange would be "unacceptable".

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Francis also called for talks to bring peace to Libya, which is divided between Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA is internationally recognised.

"Brothers and sisters, the time has come to stop every form of hostility and favour dialogue that brings peace, stability and unity to the country," he said.

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders.

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders. "I want to say a word of encouragement and support for the fishermen who have been held in Libya for more than a month, and for their families (who) are hoping to be able to embrace their dear ones soon," Francis said at his weekly blessing in St. Peter`s Square. Also read| Vatican resident tests positive for COVID-19; Pope tested negative Libyan patrol boats detained two Sicilian fishing boats on September 1 and brought the crews to Benghazi, where the military commander Haftar holds sway. The crews, made up of Italians and Tunisians, were accused of operating in Libya`s territorial waters. The fishing grounds have been disputed since 2005, when Libya`s then ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, unilaterally extended Libyan territorial waters to 74 nautical miles offshore from 12. Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, is trying to enforce this. Italian newspapers have reported that Haftar wants Italy to hand over four Libyan nationals convicted of human trafficking in return for freeing the fishermen. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament on Thursday that such an exchange would be "unacceptable". × Francis also called for talks to bring peace to Libya, which is divided between Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA is internationally recognised. "Brothers and sisters, the time has come to stop every form of hostility and favour dialogue that brings peace, stability and unity to the country," he said.

Pope expresses support for detained fishermen in Libya

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s. Spanish conquest of Latin America including Mexico had wiped out indigenous population and religion. Spanish Conquistadors, who were Catholic, equated the local relgion to devil worship and destroyed cultural symbols, book, places of worship etc. There were widespread killings. The local Aztec Empire soon fell.

"The Catholic Church, the Spanish monarchy and the Mexican government should make a public apology for the offensive atrocities that Indigenous people suffered," the letter from the Mexican president states.

In the same letter, Obrador has requested the Vatican to lend some ancient and pre-Hispanic Mexican and colonial-era documents.

One of the three codicies, or books, requested is the Codex Borgia, an especially colorful screen-fold book spread across dozens of pages that depicts gods and rituals from ancient central Mexico.

It is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-conquest Aztec-style writing that exists, after Catholic authorities in colonial-era Mexico dismissed such codicies as the work of the devil and ordered hundreds or even thousands of them burned in the decades following the 1521 conquest.

In the letter, Lopez Obrador requests the Vatican return the Codex Borgia, two other ancient codicies as well as its maps of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan for a one-year loan in 2021.

The Vatican has not yet responded to the request, but its museums and archives have in the past lent out various manuscripts and works of art after similar requests from other countries.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s. Spanish conquest of Latin America including Mexico had wiped out indigenous population and religion. Spanish Conquistadors, who were Catholic, equated the local relgion to devil worship and destroyed cultural symbols, book, places of worship etc. There were widespread killings. The local Aztec Empire soon fell. "The Catholic Church, the Spanish monarchy and the Mexican government should make a public apology for the offensive atrocities that Indigenous people suffered," the letter from the Mexican president states. In the same letter, Obrador has requested the Vatican to lend some ancient and pre-Hispanic Mexican and colonial-era documents. One of the three codicies, or books, requested is the Codex Borgia, an especially colorful screen-fold book spread across dozens of pages that depicts gods and rituals from ancient central Mexico. It is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-conquest Aztec-style writing that exists, after Catholic authorities in colonial-era Mexico dismissed such codicies as the work of the devil and ordered hundreds or even thousands of them burned in the decades following the 1521 conquest. In the letter, Lopez Obrador requests the Vatican return the Codex Borgia, two other ancient codicies as well as its maps of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan for a one-year loan in 2021. The Vatican has not yet responded to the request, but its museums and archives have in the past lent out various manuscripts and works of art after similar requests from other countries. (With inputs from Reuters)

Mexico asks Pope to apologise for atrocities during Spanish conquests

The Vatican has denied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s request to meet with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome this week. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-endangers-its-moral-authority-pompeo-on-deal-with-china-331174">Also read | 'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China</a> 
 
The Vatican accused Pompeo of trying to use that issue to attract voters in November`s US presidential election.

“Yes, he asked. But the pope had already said clearly that political figures are not received in election periods. That is the reason,” Vatican diplomat Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, according to Reuters Wednesday. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/vatican-endangers-its-moral-authority-pompeo-on-deal-with-china-331174" hreflang="en">'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China</a>

Earlier this week, during a visit to Rome, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the Vatican must find the “courage” to confront China.

Pompeo, who was in Rome on Wednesday and due to meet Vatican officials on Thursday, repeated his denunciations of China`s record on religious freedom at an event hosted by the U.S. embassy to the Holy See.

The Vatican's two top diplomats, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said Francis had declined a request from Pompeo for an audience, as the pope avoids meeting politicians ahead of elections.

The Vatican`s two-year-old agreement with Beijing gives the pope some say over the appointment of Chinese bishops. It was due to expire next month, but is expected to be renewed.

Officials in the Holy See say the agreement is not perfect but call it a step forward, after decades during which Chinese Catholics who recognise the pope were driven underground.

Parolin and Gallagher both described Pompeo's public criticism as a "surprise", coming just before his planned visit.

"Normally when you`re preparing these visits between high-level officials, you negotiate the agenda for what you are going to talk about privately, confidentially. It`s one of the rules of diplomacy," Gallagher said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Vatican has denied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s request to meet with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome this week. Also read | 'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China The Vatican accused Pompeo of trying to use that issue to attract voters in November`s US presidential election.

The Vatican has denied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s request to meet with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome this week. Also read | 'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China The Vatican accused Pompeo of trying to use that issue to attract voters in November`s US presidential election. “Yes, he asked. But the pope had already said clearly that political figures are not received in election periods. That is the reason,” Vatican diplomat Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, according to Reuters Wednesday. Also read: 'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China Earlier this week, during a visit to Rome, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the Vatican must find the “courage” to confront China. Pompeo, who was in Rome on Wednesday and due to meet Vatican officials on Thursday, repeated his denunciations of China`s record on religious freedom at an event hosted by the U.S. embassy to the Holy See. The Vatican's two top diplomats, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said Francis had declined a request from Pompeo for an audience, as the pope avoids meeting politicians ahead of elections. The Vatican`s two-year-old agreement with Beijing gives the pope some say over the appointment of Chinese bishops. It was due to expire next month, but is expected to be renewed. Officials in the Holy See say the agreement is not perfect but call it a step forward, after decades during which Chinese Catholics who recognise the pope were driven underground. Parolin and Gallagher both described Pompeo's public criticism as a "surprise", coming just before his planned visit. "Normally when you`re preparing these visits between high-level officials, you negotiate the agenda for what you are going to talk about privately, confidentially. It`s one of the rules of diplomacy," Gallagher said. (With inputs from agencies)

Vatican accuses Pompeo of playing politics, Pope Francies refuses to meet him

During a visit to Rome, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the Vatican must find the “courage” to confront China.

Pompeo is currently in Rome which is being seen by many as part of the campaigning for the upcoming US elections, and a bid to capture Catholic votes.

Pope Francis is not meeting Pompeo because the pontiff does not meet political leaders during periods of election campaigning, a source from the Vatican told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pompeo-in-tense-visit-to-vatican-as-us-vote-nears-331352" hreflang="en">Pompeo in tense visit to Vatican as US vote nears</a>

Many believe that the Pope is displeased with Pompeo’s calls to scrap a historic Vatican-China accord. Today, Pompeo spoke at a symposium which was overseen by the US embassy. He reiterated his wish for the Vatican to stand firm against China, a recurring theme in Donald Trump’s re-election campaign.

"Nowhere is religious freedom under assault more than in China,” Pompeo said. "I call on every faith leader to find the courage to confront religious persecution," he added.

Pompeo also said that for the Catholic Church "earthly considerations shouldn't discourage principled stances". A Sino-Vatican agreement in 2018 is set to be renewed. Pompeo had said that the deal is a risk to the church’s “moral authority” due to China’s human rights record.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/vatican-endangers-its-moral-authority-pompeo-on-deal-with-china-331174" hreflang="en">'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China</a>

After highlighting that "the Holy See reached an agreement with the Chinese Communist Party, hoping to help China's Catholics", US secretary of state Mike Pompeo insisted in an article that the "human rights situation in China has deteriorated severely under the autocratic rule of Xi Jinping, especially for religious believers."

"It’s clear that the Sino-Vatican agreement has not shielded Catholics from the Party’s depredations, to say nothing of the Party’s horrific treatment of Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong devotees, and other religious believers," the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in an article on First Things First.

According to the Reuters news agency, Pope Francis has signed off on the two-year extension of the original pact that took effect in 2018, with the Chinese foreign ministry stating that &nbsp;"the two sides will continue to maintain close communication and consultation and improve bilateral relations."&nbsp;

During a visit to Rome, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the Vatican must find the “courage” to confront China. Pompeo is currently in Rome which is being seen by many as part of the campaigning for the upcoming US elections, and a bid to capture Catholic votes.

During a visit to Rome, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the Vatican must find the “courage” to confront China. Pompeo is currently in Rome which is being seen by many as part of the campaigning for the upcoming US elections, and a bid to capture Catholic votes. Pope Francis is not meeting Pompeo because the pontiff does not meet political leaders during periods of election campaigning, a source from the Vatican told AFP. Also read: Pompeo in tense visit to Vatican as US vote nears Many believe that the Pope is displeased with Pompeo’s calls to scrap a historic Vatican-China accord. Today, Pompeo spoke at a symposium which was overseen by the US embassy. He reiterated his wish for the Vatican to stand firm against China, a recurring theme in Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. "Nowhere is religious freedom under assault more than in China,” Pompeo said. "I call on every faith leader to find the courage to confront religious persecution," he added. Pompeo also said that for the Catholic Church "earthly considerations shouldn't discourage principled stances". A Sino-Vatican agreement in 2018 is set to be renewed. Pompeo had said that the deal is a risk to the church’s “moral authority” due to China’s human rights record. Also read: 'Vatican endangers its moral authority': Pompeo on deal with China After highlighting that "the Holy See reached an agreement with the Chinese Communist Party, hoping to help China's Catholics", US secretary of state Mike Pompeo insisted in an article that the "human rights situation in China has deteriorated severely under the autocratic rule of Xi Jinping, especially for religious believers." "It’s clear that the Sino-Vatican agreement has not shielded Catholics from the Party’s depredations, to say nothing of the Party’s horrific treatment of Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong devotees, and other religious believers," the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in an article on First Things First. According to the Reuters news agency, Pope Francis has signed off on the two-year extension of the original pact that took effect in 2018, with the Chinese foreign ministry stating that "the two sides will continue to maintain close communication and consultation and improve bilateral relations."

Vatican must show 'courage' against China, suggests US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Saint Pope John Paul II's gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood has been&nbsp;stolen from the Spoleto cathedral in Italy.

Police have&nbsp;now started an investigation into the theft. The authorities&nbsp;have been reviewing security camera footage inside and outside the cathedral for clues.

The vial was given to the church in 2016 by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz. The theft was discovered by a sacristan who was closing the cathedral for the night on Wednesday.

Archbishop Renato Boccardo appealed the reliquary to be returned to the cathedral while asserting "hope that this rash act wasn't done to make money."&nbsp;

Pope John Paul II who belonged to Poland died in 2005.

Saint Pope John Paul II's gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood has been stolen from the Spoleto cathedral in Italy. Police have now started an investigation into the theft.

Saint Pope John Paul II's gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood has been stolen from the Spoleto cathedral in Italy. Police have now started an investigation into the theft. The authorities have been reviewing security camera footage inside and outside the cathedral for clues. The vial was given to the church in 2016 by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz. The theft was discovered by a sacristan who was closing the cathedral for the night on Wednesday. Archbishop Renato Boccardo appealed the reliquary to be returned to the cathedral while asserting "hope that this rash act wasn't done to make money." Pope John Paul II who belonged to Poland died in 2005.

Pope John Paul II's blood relic stolen from Italian cathedral

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister. The appeal by the Pope is hence being seen in connection with Belarus protests.

Pope Francis made his appeal during his noontime prayer on Sunday.&nbsp;

In addition to urging leaders to listen to protesters, the Pope appealed protesters to make their demands in a peaceful manner and "without falling into temptation of" aggression and violence. He urged Belarus authorities to respect human rights and civil liberties.

The Pope has previously also spoken about anti-racism protests in the US.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-women-march-was-not-funded-from-abroad-says-opposition-327212">Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition</a>

Protests have rocked Belarus ever since presidential elections in August declared Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko a winner. This will be Lukashenko's 6th term as the president. He has been ruling for last 26 years.

Although Pope Francis spoke out in favour of the protesters, it is unlikely that a stronger statement will be forthcoming as Catholic Church is still trying to mend its ways with Orthodox Church that holds religious sway in Belarus and Russia.

Protests in Belarus show no signs of stopping anytime soon. On Saturday, about 10,000 women marched through the capital Minsk demanding resignation from Lukashenko.

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister.

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister. The appeal by the Pope is hence being seen in connection with Belarus protests. Pope Francis made his appeal during his noontime prayer on Sunday. In addition to urging leaders to listen to protesters, the Pope appealed protesters to make their demands in a peaceful manner and "without falling into temptation of" aggression and violence. He urged Belarus authorities to respect human rights and civil liberties. The Pope has previously also spoken about anti-racism protests in the US. Also Read | Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition Protests have rocked Belarus ever since presidential elections in August declared Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko a winner. This will be Lukashenko's 6th term as the president. He has been ruling for last 26 years. Although Pope Francis spoke out in favour of the protesters, it is unlikely that a stronger statement will be forthcoming as Catholic Church is still trying to mend its ways with Orthodox Church that holds religious sway in Belarus and Russia. Protests in Belarus show no signs of stopping anytime soon. On Saturday, about 10,000 women marched through the capital Minsk demanding resignation from Lukashenko.

Pope Francis urges leaders to listen to Belarus protesters

The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating inequalities between rich and poor, Pope Francis said on Wednesday, calling for universal vaccines not reserved just for the wealthiest.&nbsp;

As the virus continues to claim lives and wreak havoc on economies around the world, the Pope in recent months has tried to use all his moral force to demand a new post-pandemic society, more respectful of the poor and the environment.&nbsp;

The call for social justice is a familiar theme sounded by the leader of the 1.3 billion Catholics around the world, who witnessed poverty and a crippling economic crisis first hand at home in Argentina. &nbsp;

"It would be sad if, for the vaccine for Covid-19, priority were to be given to the richest,"&nbsp;said Francis during his traditional Wednesday audience broadcast live from his private Vatican library.

"It would be sad if this vaccine were to become the property of this nation or another, rather than universal and for all."

Pharmaceutical companies are in a race to be the first to launch a vaccine against the disease, which has killed nearly 775,000 people worldwide since its emergence at the end of December. Some governments have struck deals with companies, hoping to secure exclusive supplies of the vaccines when developed.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization has called for widespread access. Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that governments "must prevent vaccine nationalism".&nbsp;

"The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world. And the virus, while it does not distinguish between people, has found, in its devastating path, great inequalities and discrimination. And it has exacerbated them!" he said.

Concurrent with a cure for the coronavirus, he said, the world "must also cure a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation, and the lack of protection for the weakest."

It was not enough to focus on assistance to the poor, but rather to "resolve the problems that lead us to provide aid."

Jorge Bergoglio -- the birth name of Francis -- &nbsp;pleaded for an economy that "brings benefits to the common people" and decried profits "not linked to the creation of dignified jobs".

"And what a scandal it would be if all the economic assistance we are observing -- most of it with public money -- were to focus on rescuing those industries that do not contribute to the inclusion of the excluded," he said.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating inequalities between rich and poor, Pope Francis said on Wednesday, calling for universal vaccines not reserved just for the wealthiest.

The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating inequalities between rich and poor, Pope Francis said on Wednesday, calling for universal vaccines not reserved just for the wealthiest. As the virus continues to claim lives and wreak havoc on economies around the world, the Pope in recent months has tried to use all his moral force to demand a new post-pandemic society, more respectful of the poor and the environment. The call for social justice is a familiar theme sounded by the leader of the 1.3 billion Catholics around the world, who witnessed poverty and a crippling economic crisis first hand at home in Argentina. "It would be sad if, for the vaccine for Covid-19, priority were to be given to the richest," said Francis during his traditional Wednesday audience broadcast live from his private Vatican library. "It would be sad if this vaccine were to become the property of this nation or another, rather than universal and for all." Pharmaceutical companies are in a race to be the first to launch a vaccine against the disease, which has killed nearly 775,000 people worldwide since its emergence at the end of December. Some governments have struck deals with companies, hoping to secure exclusive supplies of the vaccines when developed. The World Health Organization has called for widespread access. Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that governments "must prevent vaccine nationalism". "The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world. And the virus, while it does not distinguish between people, has found, in its devastating path, great inequalities and discrimination. And it has exacerbated them!" he said. Concurrent with a cure for the coronavirus, he said, the world "must also cure a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation, and the lack of protection for the weakest." It was not enough to focus on assistance to the poor, but rather to "resolve the problems that lead us to provide aid." Jorge Bergoglio -- the birth name of Francis -- pleaded for an economy that "brings benefits to the common people" and decried profits "not linked to the creation of dignified jobs". "And what a scandal it would be if all the economic assistance we are observing -- most of it with public money -- were to focus on rescuing those industries that do not contribute to the inclusion of the excluded," he said.

Pope calls for social justice and vaccines for all

More than 70 faith leaders have publicly condemned China for their treatment towards Uighur Muslims.&nbsp;

"Uighurs are facing a human tragedy not seen since the holocaust," the statement has been signed by Imams, Rabbis and at least five serving Bishops.

Conspicuous by his absence is Pope Francis. The activist pope, who has a track record of being vocal about human rights.

The joint statement by faith leaders means that the clear aim of the Chinese authorities is to eradicate the Uighur identity, similar to the genocide of Jews during World War-II.

The religious leaders' statement referred to drone footage showing hundreds of blindfolded and shackled men. They appear to be Uighur Muslims or members of other minority ethnic groups. It's a transfer of inmates taking place on a railway platform.

People being forcibly pushed on to trains, beards of religious men being trimmed, women being sterilised and, the concentration camps.

The spectre has urged a Jewish organisation in the UK to write a letter to China's ambassador in London.

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The warning is clear, Germany has rightly paid a heavy price for its persecution of the Jewish people.&nbsp;The world will neither forgive nor forget a genocide against the Uighur people.

But Pope Francis remains silent who has been the most outspoken pope ever.&nbsp;Extending support to the environment, poverty and LGBT campaigns. He has been a proponent of inter-religious dialogue too.

In 2014, after he was elected pope, the Muslim community called him a friend.&nbsp;He is the only pope to visit the largely Islamic West Asia.

In 2017 while delivering a speech in Myanmar he demanded respect for the Rohingyas.

China and the Vatican are expected to talk in September regarding the appointment of bishops to the churches in China.

The two sides are expected to renew an agreement that was signed in 2018. As per that agreement, China recommends the bishops, the pope approves them.

The Vatican agreed to these terms just to ensure Christianity stays alive in communist China&nbsp;but Pope Francis soon realised China arm-twisted the Vatican.

China set two-conditions. First, do not interfere with religious matters in China. Second, break ties with the Taiwanese government.

The Pope is bowing to China. He has neither spoken about the Uighurs nor&nbsp;supported protests in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

More than 70 faith leaders have publicly condemned China for their treatment towards Uighur Muslims. "Uighurs are facing a human tragedy not seen since the holocaust," the statement has been signed by Imams, Rabbis and at least five serving Bishops.

More than 70 faith leaders have publicly condemned China for their treatment towards Uighur Muslims. "Uighurs are facing a human tragedy not seen since the holocaust," the statement has been signed by Imams, Rabbis and at least five serving Bishops. Conspicuous by his absence is Pope Francis. The activist pope, who has a track record of being vocal about human rights. The joint statement by faith leaders means that the clear aim of the Chinese authorities is to eradicate the Uighur identity, similar to the genocide of Jews during World War-II. The religious leaders' statement referred to drone footage showing hundreds of blindfolded and shackled men. They appear to be Uighur Muslims or members of other minority ethnic groups. It's a transfer of inmates taking place on a railway platform. People being forcibly pushed on to trains, beards of religious men being trimmed, women being sterilised and, the concentration camps. The spectre has urged a Jewish organisation in the UK to write a letter to China's ambassador in London. The warning is clear, Germany has rightly paid a heavy price for its persecution of the Jewish people. The world will neither forgive nor forget a genocide against the Uighur people. But Pope Francis remains silent who has been the most outspoken pope ever. Extending support to the environment, poverty and LGBT campaigns. He has been a proponent of inter-religious dialogue too. In 2014, after he was elected pope, the Muslim community called him a friend. He is the only pope to visit the largely Islamic West Asia. In 2017 while delivering a speech in Myanmar he demanded respect for the Rohingyas. China and the Vatican are expected to talk in September regarding the appointment of bishops to the churches in China. The two sides are expected to renew an agreement that was signed in 2018. As per that agreement, China recommends the bishops, the pope approves them. The Vatican agreed to these terms just to ensure Christianity stays alive in communist China but Pope Francis soon realised China arm-twisted the Vatican. China set two-conditions. First, do not interfere with religious matters in China. Second, break ties with the Taiwanese government. The Pope is bowing to China. He has neither spoken about the Uighurs nor supported protests in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Chinese pressure? Pope Francis remains silent on Uighur Muslims

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