VATICAN CITY – The Vatican believes scientific facts exist and it wants to hear about them from world-renowned scientists before it offers guidance on or criticism of related political, social or economic policies.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called for greater compassion for refugees and marginalized people less than a week after President Trump ordered a temporary immigration ban from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

COLOGNE, Germany – The German bishops have published their own guidelines on Amoris laetitia allowing, in certain cases, for divorced-and-remarried Catholics to receive Communion.

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican's doctrinal chief said some bishops are interpreting Pope Francis' document on marriage and family in a way that is not in accordance with Catholic doctrine.

BEIRUT – Many Western nations forget that their countries were built on migrants, said the president of Caritas Internationalis.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – When asked in a new interview what specific mission he has for the laity, Pope Francis responded with a frequent appeal: to go outside of oneself and take risks in evangelizing, rather than staying stuffed up at home while the moths move in.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – While there is a need to evangelize a culture that tells young people money equals success and commitments aren't forever, stopping the "hemorrhage" of people leaving religious orders also requires changes from the orders themselves, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – As Cardinal Roger Etchegaray leaves Rome to retire to France, his homeland, an era has closed.

VATICAN CITY – The humble counsel of courageous women should never be disregarded but rather embraced as advice full of God's divine wisdom, Pope Francis said.

ROME, Italy – During an ecumenical Vespers service on Wednesday, Pope Francis told both Catholics and members of other Christian communities that unity can only happen when past grievances are forgiven and all sides walk forward with their gaze on Christ.