Pope Francis has apologized for hitting the hand of a well-wisher who grabbed him and yanked him toward her. In his new year's wishes to the public in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Francis ...

First pope to succeed a retired pope in 600 years plans mass, prayers. VATICAN CITY, March 14, 2013— -- There was not a "dry eye in the house" at the Sistine Chapel the moment when former ...

VATICAN CITY March 15, 2013— -- A Vatican spokesman hit back today at accusations that newly elected Pope Francis is in any way to blame for the kidnappings of two Jesuit priests during ...

Pope Leo XIV said Friday that his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in the ... not because he made some showstopping speech like Pope Francis did in 2013.