Pope

Pope condemns treatment of migrants in Europe

Speaking on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis called the neglect of migrants the "shipwreck of civilisation".

The Pope first visited Lesbos in 2016, when it was a major entry point for people trying to reach Europe.

Since then, new flashpoints have emerged and the Pope expressed regret that little had changed.

Bible serpent was first 'fake news' - Pope

The episode showed the "dire consequences" that fake news can have, the Pope warned in a document.

Pope Francis also said it led only to the spread of arrogance and hatred.

Social media users and journalists should unmask manipulative tactics that foment division, he said.

The document The Truth Will Set You Free - Fake News and Journalism for Peace was issued ahead of the Catholic Church's World Communications Day on 13 May, and it was the first time the Pope has written on the topic.

Pope addresses Pacific Islands Forum leaders

Meeting some members of the Pacific Islands Forum in the Vatican, the Pope shared the concerns of those exposed to frequent extreme environmental and climate events, and the impact of rising sea levels and the continuous deterioration of the barrier reef.

He blamed many of the causes of this “environmental decay” on the short-sighted human activity… connected with certain ways ‎of exploiting natural and human resources.

Pope clarifies bishops' role in sex abuse cases

The Catholic Church has been criticized for not holding bishops accountable for failing to act in cases of clerical sex abuse, and victims' families have been lobbying the Vatican to take a tougher stance on the issue.

In an apostolic letter published Saturday, the pope explained canon law already allows bishops to be removed "for serious reasons." But the Pope made clear that among those reasons is the failure of a bishop to report cases of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.