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Spanish Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, the newly elected head of Opus Dei, is pictured during a media opportunity at the University of the Holy Cross in Rome Jan. 24. His appointment was approved the previous day by Pope Francis.

The new head of Opus Dei has a simple plan for the prelature

VATICAN CITY – The new head of Opus Dei has been confirmed by Pope Francis, and his plan for the prelature is simple.

The Pope's message to the media was released Jan. 24 for world Communications Day, which is also the the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.

Pope tells media: reject prejudice, leave space for hope

VATICAN CITY – At a time when the media seem to feed a "vicious cycle of anxiety" and a "spiral of fear," Christians should respond with honest stories that identify problems and evil, but also inspire real solutions, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis speaks during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Jan. 11.

Mafia crime is 'radically opposed' to the Gospel, Pope says

VATICAN CITY – Frequently an outspoken critic against organized crime, Pope Francis again came out with harsh words for those involved in the mafia and other criminal activities, which he said are “stained with blood” and go directly against the faith.

Barbara Jatta, the new director of the Vatican Museums, leaves a Jan. 23 Vatican news conference at which the revamped, mobile-compatible website for the Vatican Museums was unveiled.

Vatican Museums open doors wider with mobile-friendly website, YouTube channel

VATICAN CITY – In an effort to share its masterpieces with even more people around the world, the Vatican Museums has established a YouTube channel and revamped its website to offer high-resolution images and mobile-friendly information.

In a meeting with the Roman Rota, the Catholic Church's highest appellate and mainly handles marriage cases, Pope Francis said the Church must prepare couples before marriages and support them afterwards.

Church must accompany couples before, after marriage, Pope says

VATICAN CITY – To ensure engaged couples are entering into a fully Catholic marriage and remain committed to their vows for life, they must be prepared properly beforehand and supported afterward, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a Mass marking the closing of the Dominican order's 800th anniversary celebrations at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome Jan. 21.

Pope to Dominicans on 800th anniversary: Your good works give glory to God

ROME, Italy – Saturday Pope Francis encouraged Dominicans to persevere in their good works of the last 800 years, which have been like the “salt” and “light” of Christ, spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

Raoul Bretzel and Anna Citelli set up a sample biodegradable burial pod developed by their company, Capsula Mundi, at their design studio in Rome Oct. 11. Recent Vatican guidelines on cremation and burial address the growing trend of "green burials."

The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death

VATICAN CITY – In a craftsman's workshop on the edge of Rome's Campo Verano cemetery, two designers are working to revive what they see as a dying art: burial.

Father Khalil Jaar distributes hygiene packs to Iraqi Christian refugees sheltering at his church compound Jan. 8 in Marka, Jordan. Many Iraqi Christian refugees who fled Mosul say they will not be able to return, even after the so-called Islamic State militants are flushed out of the area by the U.S.-led and Iraqi government forces.

Working with Iraqi refugees stretches, strengthens priest's faith

MARKA, Jordan – Working with displaced Iraqi Christians has stretched and strengthened the faith of a priest who came to Jordan as a refugee.

Pope Francis greets Rev. Jens-Martin Kruse of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rome during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Jan. 18.

Pope Francis: Catholics, Lutherans must continue to seek common ground

VATICAN CITY – Although great strides have been made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Lutherans must continue to work toward becoming a full and visible sign of unity for the world, Pope Francis said.

Cardinal Caffarra, the emeritus Archbishop of Bologna discussed at length with an Italian daily the reasons behind the dubia about 'Amoris laetitia.'

Cardinal Caffarra defends issuing dubia over 'Amoris Laetitia'

BOLOGNA, Italy — The Church is in a state of "great confusion" over Pope Francis' exhortation on love in the family, said one of the four cardinals who authored the letter to the Pope asking for clarification of Amoris Laetitia.

Pope Francis speaks in a video message for January released on the websites of the Apostleship of Prayer. They are available at www.thepopevideo.org and www.apostleshipofprayer.org.

Pope Francis’ monthly videos reaching millions

VATICAN CITY – Last year, more than 13 million people around the world watched Pope Francis explain one of his specific prayer intentions each month.

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