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Seven weeks after announcing the new composition of his international Council of Cardinals, Pope Francis led a two-day meeting of the council focused on situations of conflict in the world and on progress in implementing his reform of the Roman Curia.

Students at Notre Dame Preparatory High School may have had to wait almost the whole school year to meet Most Rev. John P. Dolan, fifth bishop of Phoenix, but his arrival on campus offered a special opportunity for attendees.

At least three dozen women will be voting members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October, Pope Francis has decided.

The prayers of nuns and monks are like "oxygen" for all members of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said.

Every Christian has a vocation to respond to God's love and to share that love with others, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis has appointed 19 people as members of the Dicastery for Evangelization's first section and has named another 15 as consultants.

The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life affirms his opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide but believes that to end confusion in the country, the Italian Parliament needs to make clear laws about withdrawing end-of-life care, his office said.

The ministry of lay Catholics, whether formally instituted by the church or simply inspired by the Holy Spirit to serve the needs of others, flows from baptism and a recognition that every Christian is called to take part in the mission of the church, Pope Francis said.

Jesus knows how to turn every difficulty or fall into a step forward, Pope Francis said.

By calling itself the "Papal Foundation" and supporting projects identified by the Vatican, members of the U.S.-based group have an obligation to promote the unity of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said.