More than 100,000 worshippers participated in Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday.

Pope Francis visited the grounds of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque on Wednesday for an interfaith meeting in Indonesia, where he signed a joint declaration condemning religious-based violence with Muslim leader Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar.

Pope Francis met with Indonesian clergy at Jakarta's Cathedral, urging them to share “the joy of encountering Christ” while respecting the nation's ethnic and cultural diversity.

Pope Francis has established certain habits over the years that have become beautiful traditions.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis urged Indonesia’s political leaders to protect the nation’s cultural and religious diversity by respecting the human rights of all, including minorities.

Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolence on Tuesday to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin following the death of the Italian prelate’s mother.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, 79, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, has written a new book, Destinati alla vita ("Destined for Life"), reflecting on old age as a time for inner growth.

Pope Francis said Sunday that the Eucharist is a “miracle” in which Jesus nourishes us with his life and satisfies the hunger in our hearts.

The Pontifical Academy for Life's booklet on bioethics, particularly its stance on artificial nutrition and hydration, has raised concerns among some observers about a shift from traditional Church teachings.

Vatican peace envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi spoke this week with a Chinese government official about the Russia-Ukraine war.

Despite calls from abuse victims and their advocates to stop displaying artwork by the disgraced former Jesuit priest Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, the Vatican has again used one of the artist’s images to illustrate an online article.

During his Angelus address on the solemnity of the Assumption, Pope Francis reminded Catholics that the Blessed Virgin Mary always “goes before us on the journey.”

The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is expressing concerns about Ukraine’s recent military advances inside Russian territory, warning that the actions could further escalate the war.

Luis Fernando Figari, founder of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and accused of sexual abuse, has been expelled from the organization by Vatican decision, according to the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference.

On Aug. 15, Catholics around the world mark the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, commemorating the end of her earthly life and assumption into heaven.

Archbishop Noël Treanor, the Irish prelate who had served as apostolic nuncio to the European Union since 2023, died of a heart attack on Sunday at age 73.

The Vatican has urged Iran to avoid escalating “in any way” the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Pope Francis urged people to truly listen to God’s voice rather than looking to the Lord for a confirmation of their own ideas in his Angelus address on Sunday.

Rosario Murillo, wife of dictator Daniel Ortega and vice president of Nicaragua, announced that seven priests left the Central American country and have arrived “safely” at the Vatican.

Pope Francis conveyed a “message of hope” to Chinese Catholics and expressed his desire to one day visit the Basilica of Holy Mary, the Help of Christians, in Shanghai, China, during an interview released on Friday.

The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has announced the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 58th World Day of Peace 2025, which will be celebrated on Jan. 1: “Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Your Peace.”

Pope Francis sent a message to the Knights of Columbus convention in Quebec, expressing his “profound gratitude” for their “concrete witness to the faith that works through love.”

The Vatican has approved devotion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, India, the site of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the 16th century. 

On Aug. 7, Pope Francis resumed general audiences at the Vatican after a brief and normal pause during the month of July. The following is an explanation of the nature and purpose of these encounters with the Holy Father.