Francis Was Joyful After Meeting Russian Patriarch

Though their differences are recognizable and real, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow emphasized their obligation as Christians and as bishops to encourage collaboration among Christians and charity for all who suffer.

Pope Warns Clergy About Snares of Devil

MORELIA, Mexico (CNS) – The devil loves Christians – especially priests and nuns – who are resigned to the violence and corruption around them, Pope Francis said.

El Paso Diocese Ready for Papal Rendezvous

Two days before Pope Francis’ main event in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the Diocese of El Paso was coordinating the final touches to its own two papal events.

At Children’s Hospital, Pope Prescribes ‘Kindness Therapy’

A little bit of kindness can go a long way when recovering from illness, Pope Francis told a group of young patients. “Not only medicine but also ‘kindness therapy’ can make you live your time here with greater joy,” the pope said Feb. 14.

In Crime-Plagued Periphery, Pope Preaches Conversion

Pope Francis began his travels to Mexico’s “peripheries” by visiting an overcrowded, sprawling settlement known internationally as a hunting ground for girls to force into prostitution and for boys to enlist in the drug trade.

A Brotherly Embrace Brings Pope and Russian Patriarch Together

At long last, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embraced, kissing each other three times. “Finally,” the pope told the patriarch Feb. 12 as they met in a lounge at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. “We are brothers,” he told the patriarch.

Papal Plane Heading to Cuba

As is his custom at the beginning of a trip, Pope Francis thanked the traveling press corps and semi-apologized for the crazy hours they would work in Cuba Feb. 12 and in Mexico through Feb. 17.