Junno Arocho Esteves

Celebrating his 81st birthday, Pope Francis blew out the candles on a 13-foot long pizza after being serenaded with song and dance by children and employees from a Vatican pediatric clinic. 

Christmas joy expressed through music brings a message of peace and brotherhood for those most in need, Pope Francis said. 

God shows his greatness through his tenderness toward his children like a loving father, Pope Francis said. 

Pope Francis' decision to convene a Synod of Bishops dedicated to the Amazon is a sign of his desire for the choice to be a voice for the voiceless living in the region, a Brazilian archbishop said. 

The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which mirrored that of the indigenous people of the time, is a sign of Mary's closeness to those who are marginalized, Pope Francis said.

A Nativity scene and Christmas tree, like those displayed in St. Peter's Square, are visible reminders of God's benevolence and closeness to all men and women, Pope Francis said.

Young people in Myanmar and Bangladesh are a source of hope for a peaceful future in their countries after years of war and suffering, Pope Francis said.

Following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump planned to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Pope Francis expressed his concern that such a move would further destabilize the Middle East.

Like a sprout, humility needs to be nourished so that the Holy Spirit may grow within all Christians, Pope Francis said. 

Pope Francis led pilgrims in prayer for the victims of a bombing at a mosque in Egypt's northern Sinai region.

Pope Francis has made no secret of what he thinks is the motivating force behind the wars and conflicts underway across the globe. 

Mass is the highest form of prayer and not an appropriate moment for small talk, Pope Francis said.

The Vatican announced Nov. 9 that Pope Francis has recognized that Pope John Paul I, who served only 33 days as pope, lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way.

Like stained glass windows, the saints allow the light of God to permeate the darkness of sin in the world, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.

Clericalism is a path taken by those who, unlike the good shepherd, concern themselves with money and power and not with people who are suffering and neglected, Pope Francis said. 

Pope Francis said that there are no easy answers to the suffering and destruction wrought by hurricanes, humankind must take responsibility for not caring for the environment.

Pope Francis called on the people of the United States to welcome migrants and urged those who are welcomed to respect the laws of the country.

Italian Fr. Maurizio Pallu, who was kidnapped by several gunmen in Nigeria and held captive for nearly a week, was freed Oct. 17.

Christians can find hope even at the hour of death, which faith teaches is not a closed door but a wide-open passage to a new life with Christ, Pope Francis said.

Christians who do not really listen to the word of God and are only concerned with outward appearances are corrupt and idolatrous, Pope Francis said.