After Pope Francis prayed on Christmas Day for Syrian Christians facing uncertainty amid the country's regime change, the leader of the Catholic Church in neighboring Iraq said the toppling of the regime left Christians in the region feeling "tense."

"I wanted the second Holy Door to be the one here, at a prison," Francis told the inmates. "I wanted all of us, inside or out, to have an opportunity to throw open the doors of our hearts and understand that hope does not disappoint."

Daniel P. Horan reflects on the benefits reaped and lessons learned through his exit from Twitter/X.

Francis, the comic strip: Leo tells the Christmas story and highlights a humble hero.

Given the importance the Catholic electorate has played in the discussion of the outcome of the 2024 national election, the National Catholic Reporter is naming the Catholic voter its Newsmaker of the Year.

Pope Francis appealed for negotiations to end Russia's ongoing invasion in Ukraine and for a ceasefire in the war-ravaged Middle East during his annual Christmas Day message. 

Pope Francis on Christmas Eve formally inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year, reviving an ancient church tradition encouraging the faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome. What that means and what it will look like is addressed in this AP explainer.

In the spirit of Pope Francis, who has emphasized mercy, Biden has reminded us of the pathway to a more humane society, prioritizing redemption over retribution. We must cling dearly to this example and never let go.

Pope Francis on Dec. 24 officially launched the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year, encouraging Christians to use the milestone occasion to dream of a "new world where peace and justice reign."