The Pope did not intend to present himself as an expert on the science of climate change in his encyclical on the environment, according to a bishop who helped draft the document.
The contentious issue of homosexuality will not be allowed to dominate the Pope's forthcoming Synod on the Family in Rome this autumn, the Holy See has made clear.
Pope Francis condemned the failure of what he referred to as "great powers of the world" to prevent the deaths of thousands when there was actually knowledge that Jews, Christians, homosexuals and others were being moved to camps where they met their deaths during the Second World War.
The Pope has this morning viewed the Turin Shroud, believed by many to be the burial cloth in which Jesus was wrapped and which is said to bear his image.
During the World Retreat of Priests at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome attended by clergy from five continents, Pope Francis said "we have to come to an agreement" for a common date on Easter.
Pope Francis has denounced abortion, embryonic experiment, and population control as attacks to human life in his new encyclical, emphasising that respect for nature and human life must go together.
The Pope has berated the international community for prizing "oil and weapons" above the lives of those persecuted for their faith in the Middle East, Vatican Radio reports.