A kiss of peace: Pope Francis receives symbolic gesture from patriarch

 
In a fraternal gesture Pope Francis asked for the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, who marked a historic moment in ecumenical dialogue by kissing the head of the Bishop of Rome.

Pope to Turkish authorities: religious freedom a key factor for peace

Pope Francis spoke to Turkish authorities on Friday of the need to create a lasting peace – one based on a fraternal solidarity which respects human dignity and man’s essential right to religious freedom.

“Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers,” the Pope told Turkish authorities on Nov. 28.

For Pope Francis, human dignity at core of religious dialogue

Dialogue between religious leaders and the “shared recognition of the sanctity of each human life” in bringing aid to the suffering were at the core of Pope Francis' Nov. 28 address to Turkey's Department for Religious Affairs, delivered on the first day of his three-day Apostolic Journey to

Young Syrian refugee tells Pope, 'pray for us and pray for peace'

Currently a living as a refugee at a Salesian school in Istanbul, 14-year-old Sarah will give Pope Francis a picture that she painted,  and  says that she will ask him to pray for world peace.

“My name is Sarah, and I made this picture in the name of the school to give it to the Pope. This is my picture with Jesus and Don Bosco, and here we have the glow of Don Bosco and the Sun of

Pope authorizes plenary indulgence for Year of Consecrated Life

On the occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life that begins this weekend, Pope Francis has allowed the faithful to receive plenary indulgences, under the normal conditions.

“The Holy Father, on the occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life, will concede plenary indulgences,

Pope: don't be depressed – despite our ugly reality, we have hope

 
In his homily on Thursday Pope Francis said that although sin and corruption often seem to win out over good, Jesus gives us a promise of hope which enables us to keep “our heads held high.”

“Do not give way to depression: Hope! Reality is ugly: there are many, many cities and people, so many people who are suffering; many wars, so much hatred, so much envy, so much spiritual worldliness and so much corruption. Yes, it's true, (but) all of this will fall!” the Pope said on Nov. 27.

Pope Francis: Christians have a duty to proclaim the Gospel

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday met with members of the Pauline Family, on the occasion of their 100^th anniversary, telling them that Christians have a duty to proclaim the Gospel without exception.

The Church isn’t static – she’s a pilgrim on a journey, Pope says

Pope Francis in his weekly general audience said that the Church on earth is on a pilgrimage to heaven guided by the Lord, who will lead us to the fullness of joy and truth at the end of time.

“In today's catechesis we reflect on the Church (that is) on pilgrimage to the kingdom,” the Pope told those present in St. Peter’s Square for his Nov. 26 audience.

“As was well affirmed in the Second Vatican Council, the Church is not a static reality, but continually journeys throughout history to the final and marvelous goal, which is the Kingdom of Heaven.”