'To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity,' pontiff says in homily, referring to Christian belief that Jesus was the son of God

Pontiff tells the Palestinian Authority leader it's necessary to 'reactivate direct dialogue in order to achieve a two-state solution'

An estimated 330,000 children in France were abused by clergy and other officials in a 'systemic manner' since 1950, commission uncovers

Francis caused concern among Jewish officials when he said recently that the law of the Torah 'does not give life'

Rabbi Ratzon Arusi shares 'distress' over recent comments by Francis that Jewish law 'does not give life'

Pope Francis, 84, is expected to stay in Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic for about a week

Such relationships, even with positive elements to be valued, are not 'legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing' as they go against 'creator's plan,' doctrinal office maintains

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

Officials say 'like' by Pope Francis’ official Instagram account of Natalia Garibotto's scantily clad picture didn’t originate from the Holy See

Holy See will have to confront questions of power in relationships between senior and junior members of the clergy, as well as culture of silence and coverups