NATION/WORLD

Reflecting on people's right to remain in their country of origin, share in the common good and live in dignity will be the focus of Pope Francis' next message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Christians must not be afraid of being judged or condemned for bearing witness to the gifts and love they receive from God, Pope Francis said.

"War is the failure of politics," Pope Francis said.

The faithful must set aside their egos and sense of superiority over others to make room for God and his tender mercy, Pope Francis said at a Lenten penance service.

The substitute secretary for general affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State said Vatican officials "were forced" into spending $17 million rather than an anticipated $2 million to $4 million to buy out an Italian broker over a London property deal.

The secret to lovingly ministering to others is first allowing oneself to experience the overwhelming love of God, Pope Francis told priests belonging to the Josephites of Murialdo, the Murialdine Sisters of St. Joseph and the laypeople who work with them.

At the end of their first meeting, three members of the preparatory commission for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops said they know some Catholics have very high expectations for the process while others have intense anxiety.

Places that serve as "oases of encounter" are needed today so that visitors can be inspired to live wisely and well, Pope Francis told representatives of a Buddhist organization.

Planning an ecumenical prayer vigil for the Catholic Church's Synod of Bishops and making a commitment to participating in it is an expression of "an ecumenism of solidarity," said the Rev. Anne-Laure Danet, ecumenical officer for the French Protestant Federation.

The aesthetic and artistic elements surrounding the liturgy must foster prayer and a sense of communion, Pope Francis said.