Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square after vespers New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31.
Pope Francis
Vatican Royalty
Pope Francis accepts offertory gifts from children dressed as the Three Kings during Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Fewer People Visiting Vatican
More than 3.2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican said.
Pope Makes Surprise Visit to Franciscan Shrine
Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the place where his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, created the world’s first Nativity scene.
Signs of the Times
Year in Review: signs of 2015
A Timely Encyclical
Year in Review: Pope Francis placed the Church in the corner of environmentalists with the publication Laudato Si’ on May 24.
A Year of Terror
Year in Review: Pope Francis has been calling for a compassionate world response to the plight of the refugees but fear of terrorism and economic disruption have led to some resistance.
Francis in the US
Year in Review: Pope Francis spent six days in September in the United States, with stops in Washington D.C., New York and Philadelphia. See more Year in Review photos.
The Pope Visits New York City
Year in Review: Pope Francis’ historic visit to the U.S. included a stop in New York City.
Pope Prescribes Antidotes To Cure What Ails Curia
If Pope Francis sees the church as a field hospital after battle, then his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia often looks like the triage tent, with him holding the charts.