Vatican

Pope Francis meets with Irish bishops Jan. 20: Telling the bishops of Ireland that he wanted to hear their questions, concerns and even criticisms, Pope Francis spent almost two hours in conversation with them. In the continuing evolution of the "ad limina" visits bishops are required to make to the Vatican, Pope Francis met Jan. 20 with 26 Irish bishops and set aside a practice that began with Pope Benedict XVI: writing a speech to the group, but handing the text to them instead of reading it.

The newest embassy to the Holy See: Pope Francis welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the inauguration of the Palestinian embassy to the Holy See in Rome on Jan. 14.

Jan. 14 papal appointments: Pope Francis named Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, who is president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to be a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

McDonald's opens near Vatican: A McDonald’s opening in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica is to offer free meals to the homeless in a move aimed at defusing controversy over the fast-food restaurant.