The President of Lebanon has declared that Christians in the Middle East are 'no longer in direct danger' during an interview in which he opened up about his own Christian faith.
Stormont's power-sharing arrangements collapsed earlier this week after the five major parties failed to reach agreement, with an ongoing situation in which there is no executive in Northern Ireland. This means that there could be fresh doubt cast on whether the Pope will visit Northern Ireland when he is set to visit the Republic next August.
Prime ministers and presidents from 27 EU member states have descended on Italy to mark the 1957 founding Treaty of Rome, receiving a papal blessing on the eve of the anniversary.
The annual list – on which the Pope has appeared every year since his election five years ago – includes widely-known figures like Melinda Gates and Angel Merkel, but also lower-profile people who have made their mark in their own sphere.
Pope Francis has said that he is 'deeply saddened' by the attack in Westminster yesterday and has expressed 'prayerful solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy'.
Pope Francis is planning to visit South Sudan in October if the security situation does not deteriorate in the countryravaged by civil war and famine, according to a local bishop.
Young people must not allow themselves to be led astray by a 'false image' of reality presented on social media and TV, the Pope has said in his latest message to young people to mark World Youth Day.
The vital Egyptian tourist trade has been devastated by terror attacks leading to countries including the UK recommending against all but essential travel to some areas.
Pope Francis has asked for forgiveness for the 'sins and failings of the Church and its members' during Rwanda's 1994 genocide. He said the violence had 'disfigured the face' of the Church.