Pontiff's trip to one of the world's oldest Christian communities comes despite ongoing conflict, pandemic lockdown; will try to deepen dialogue with Muslim world

In video message, pontiff highlights the heavy toll paid by Iraqi Christian communities, laments there have been 'too many martyrs'

Pentagon says contractor 'suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering'; no one claims responsibility for attack

Pontiff's talks with Ali al-Sistani will implicitly recognize him as Shiite Islam's chief interlocutor over his rival, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

'I came to thank you for your witness and to pay homage to the people martyred by the craziness of Nazi populism,' pontiff tells Hungarian-born Edith Bruck, 88

Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart named one of two new undersecretaries to synod of bishops, body that studies major questions of doctrine

Pope Francis says ideological fanaticism can lead to genocide, urges followers to 'be aware that these things can happen again'

Roman pontiff urges leaders of nations, businesses and international organizations to 'promote cooperation and not competition, and to search for solution for all'

Argentine Rabbi Sergio Bergman receives handwritten Spanish-language holiday note from countryman

Vatican says that if pandemic permits, Francis will travel in March to the 'plains of Ur,' where biblical patriarch is said to have been born