Sylvia Poggioli

Pope Francis has opened an assembly of bishops to talk about issues facing families — such as marriage, divorce and contraception. He reiterated that the Catholic church opposes same-sex marriage.

The Vatican says Francis did not ask for a meeting with Kim Davis, who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, and should not be seen as supporting Davis' stance.

About half an hour after takeoff from Philadelphia and a grueling, nine-day visit to Cuba and the United States, Pope Francis looked tired Sunday night when he appeared before reporters. He suffers from sciatica, and it was visible this week that he was having difficulty walking up stairs and standing ...

A visibly tired Pope Francis spoke with reporters during a freewheeling press conference in the air. Topics included his impressions of the U.S., clergy sex abuse and women's role in the church.

Some 1.5 million people were expected to attend the Pope's last Mass in the U.S. on Sunday. It's the centerpiece of his weeklong visit.

Competition to get admitted to the papal trip to Cuba and the U.S. was fierce: Some 140 reporters and photographers applied for the 76 seats available for print, radio and TV journalists. I strategized for much of June on the best way to secure one of them.

On the day ...

Pope Francis issued a call for social justice in a speech to world officials gathered at the United Nations on Friday. Degradation of the environment, he argued, hits the poor the hardest.

As part of his U.S. tour, Pope Francis spoke to the United Nation's General Assembly. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli discusses the pope's address with Renee Montagne.

As part of his U.S. tour, Pope Francis spoke to the United Nation's General Assembly. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli discusses the pope's address with Renee Montagne.

Pope Francis arrives in New York Thursday evening for the second leg of his historic visit to the United States.

Pope Francis canonized the United States' first saint, Junipero Serra, on Wednesday. The controversial Spanish missionary founded Catholic missions in California in the 18th century.

Pope Francis arrived Tuesday for his first-ever trip to the United States. He came from Cuba, whose warming relations with the U.S. are due in part to papal mediation.

The Republican presidential field is now smaller by one, with the departure of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker from the race. After an early rise to contender status, Walker suffered a sudden decline.

Starting his three-day visit as a migrant from Cuba was intentional. In a speech to Congress, he's expected to challenge positions along the political and social spectrum with more straight talk.

Pope Francis took his message of grace and forgiveness to the eastern Cuban city of Holguin Monday where he blessed the city and held a public mass.

Pope Francis arrives in the United States next week. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli offers this preview of what to expect from the first Latin American pope with a global south perspective.

When Pope Francis canonizes Junipero Serra, he will become the first Hispanic American saint. Analysts see this as an effort to restore the historical balance away from "Anglo-centric...

Pope Francis is giving all priests a window of discretion to forgive women who have had abortions. The window is during the upcoming holy year, which will begin in December.

Philadelphia's archbishop is preparing for Pope Francis' visit in September. The challenges, he says, include raising the $45 million needed to stage the event.