VATICAN CITY -- Being a priest is not a job or fulfilling an employment contract but is a gift from God that should be contemplated and treasured as such, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church will endure, despite the frailty and sins of its members, because it is God's project, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- God forgives sins so that joy, not sadness, can flourish once again in one's heart, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Having gone to Africa as a pilgrim of peace and hope, Pope Francis said he hoped the seeds planted there by his visit would bear abundant fruit for everyone.

VATICAN CITY -- People who race to get top positions often feel superior to others, an attitude that destroys the possibility for fellowship and communion, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- "Now is the time to abandon our dependence on fossil fuels and move, quickly and decisively, toward forms of clean energy," Pope Francis said as he marked the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

Pope Francis sent a video message to the people of Mozambique Aug. 30 in advance of his arrival in the country Sept. 4.

VATICAN CITY -- While listening to and obeying God's word brings healing and comfort to those in need, it also can attract disdain and even hatred from others, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- A life marked by humility, faith and love determines whether Christians enter heaven, not who they know, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis used the unexpected appearance of a young autistic girl at his weekly general audience to make a point about prayer and suffering.