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.

VATICAN CITY -- Christians must not be hypocrites, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Mary's assumption into heaven calls people to put aside all those insignificant, mundane and petty concerns competing for their attention and instead be drawn to God and his greatness, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- In hopeless situations of pain and suffering, God never abandons his children but rather remains close to them, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Marking the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Pope Francis urged nations to recall the need to protect the life and dignity of the victims of war and armed conflict.

VATICAN CITY -- Like the apostles who brought spiritual and physical healing to those in need, Christians are called to tend to the wounds of the suffering and the downtrodden, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has asked families to set aside time to pray both individually and together as a family.