Faith

ROME - Meeting 80 immigrants assisted by members of a Rome parish, Pope Francis said leaving one's homeland is always painful, but faith can give one the strength to keep going.

Vatican panel says violence is 'greatest corruption of religion' 

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VATICAN CITY - Violence is the "greatest corruption of religion," while belief in a single God is the "principle and source of love between human beings," says a new study by a Vatican advisory panel of theologians.

Mexican bishop rebukes government for crackdown on self-defense groups

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NUEVA ITALIA, Mexico - A Mexican bishop has rebuked the federal government for sending soldiers to grab the guns of the self-defense groups formed to fight off violent drug cartels and criminal gangs in the western state of Michoacan.

Pope picks Quebec's Gerald Lacroix to become a cardinal

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Pope Francis has selected Quebec archbishop Gerald Lacroix to become Canada's newest cardinal.

Pope says abortion, hunger, environmental damage threaten peace

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said world peace requires the defense of human dignity from violations such as world hunger, human trafficking and abortion.

Pope to moms: It's OK to breast-feed in public, even in Sistine Chapel

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis assured mothers that breast-feeding their babies in public, even during a papal Mass in the Sistine Chapel, is OK.

Vatican to host world leaders in push to end Syrian conflict

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VATICAN CITY - With more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced in a brutal civil war, Pope Francis has made repeated pleas for peace in Syria. But more than just call for peace he has taken steps to bring an end to the violence.

Priest says hitching ride on popemobile was invite to hit road for God

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VATICAN CITY - When Father Fabian Baez booked his trip to Rome, he didn't have an appointment to meet with the pope, so he gave himself ample time in the Eternal City to be able to arrange some way to see him.

Baptism gives strength to forgive enemies, love poor, Pope says

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VATICAN CITY - Baptism isn't just some formal ritual, it profoundly changes people, giving them unwavering hope and the strength to forgive and love others, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis pledges almost $5 million to help pay World Youth Day debt

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RIO DE JANEIRO - Pope Francis has pledged a donation of almost $5 million to help pay part of the debt incurred by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day, said the Local Organizing Committee.

Pope limits 'monsignor' honor for diocesan priests

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has decided to limit the honor of "monsignor" among diocesan priests and grant it from now on only to those at least 65 years of age.