Vatican

Pope Francis' recent gesture of welcome for transgender Catholics has resonated strongly in this working class, seaside town south of Rome, where a community of trans women has found help and hope through a remarkable relationship with the pontiff forged during the darkest times of the pandemic.

The material, cultural and spiritual poverties that exist in the world are a "scandal" that Christians are called to address by putting their God-given capacity for charity and love into action, Pope Francis said.

The president of the Polish bishops' conference has bitterly criticized demands for liberal change by the church in neighboring Germany and urged the pope not to allow them to dominate the Rome Synod on Synodality.

The daily rhythm of the life of a priest should resemble "ping pong" -- praying on one's knees before the tabernacle, helping those in need and returning to prayer, Pope Francis told a group of Latino priests from the United States.

The holiness of individuals and families gives life to the entire Catholic community, Pope Francis said.

Francis, the comic strip: Synod on synodality: "Here comes everyone." 

Often enough, the first people who need to be evangelized are Christians themselves, Pope Francis said.

Francis, the comic strip: The synod highlighted two real problems, and Leo has an idea.