Carol Glatz

All wars are "utter disasters" for everyone, especially families, children, the elderly, refugees, communities and creation, Pope Francis said.

Like every saint, St. Peter was not a superhero, he was just a real, imperfect person who generously said, "yes" to Jesus, Pope Francis said.

As Catholic schools worldwide face several challenges -- including declining enrollments, funding or maintaining a distinctive religious character -- the Vatican has urged religious orders, dioceses and laypeople to come together to "take risks" and be creative in finding solutions.

Jesus says to have no fear of ridicule, persecution or criticism for being faithful to the Gospel, but to be afraid of wasting one's life chasing after trivial things, Pope Francis said.

God wants young people to bring joy to the hearts of the elderly and to learn from their experiences, Pope Francis said.

Individuals become Christian because they have been touched by Christ's love, not because they have been convinced or coerced by someone else, Pope Francis said.

The Institute for the Works of Religion, often referred to as the Vatican bank, made a net profit of 29.6 million euros (about $31.6 million) in 2022, a 63% increase from the profit reported in the previous year (18.1 million euros), according to its annual report.

The Holy Spirit invites the faithful to share in God's love and to make the church a loving home whose door is open to everyone, Pope Francis said.

 The most powerful and effective method of evangelization is to live according to what one teaches and preaches, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis called on the international community to work concretely against torture and to guarantee support to victims and their families.

The greatest way of life is serving others, and those in political power must see themselves as servants, too, Pope Francis said.

Those working in the field of tourism have a great opportunity to offer people a "different kind of vacation" that is less consumerist and more respectful of creation, the Vatican said.

During the Italian bishops' general assembly, Pope Francis met with bishops whose dioceses in the region of Emilia-Romagna have been devastated after intense rainfall triggered floods and landslides.

Pope Francis has appealed for a cease-fire in Sudan and for the international community to help promote dialogue. "It is sad, but, a month after the outbreak of violence in Sudan, the situation continues to be serious," he said after reciting the midday "Regina Coeli" prayer with about 25,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square May 21.

St. Francis Xavier offers the faithful, especially young people who are itching to make a difference in the world, a wonderful example of how to find courage in prayer and spread the joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.

Peace is urgently needed in today's world, and women should be more greatly appreciated, Pope Francis told hundreds of Catholic women.

Starting a family and having children has become a kind of herculean task when instead it should be valued and supported by everyone, Pope Francis said at a meeting in Rome on Italy's severe decline in population growth.

Pope Francis' message, focused on the theme, "Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay," was released at the Vatican May 11.

Punishing and condemning those guilty of clergy sexual abuse is an act of charity, Pope Francis said. "The abuser is an enemy. Each of us feels this because we empathize with the suffering of the abused," he said during a private meeting with 32 Jesuits April 29 during his three-day trip to Budapest, Hungary. Those guilty of abuse "deserve punishment, but they also deserve pastoral care."

The Vatican office in charge of coordinating plans for the Holy Year 2025 announced they are launching a new website and releasing an app to help people register and to guide them along their pilgrimage in Rome.