Pope Francis

Orphaned girls, whose parents died from HIV/AIDS complications, stand inside their home in Tchemulane, Mozambique, in this 2005 file photo. Pope Francis is expected to talk about the health epidemic during a Sept. 4-10 trip to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. (CNS photo/Stringer, Reuters)

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis decried hypocrisy and self-interest Wednesday, saying that Christian community should always be characterized by generosity and solidarity.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said Sunday that prayer in adoration of God and service to others spreads the fire of God’s love, changing the world one heart at a time.

VATICAN CITY - Mary's assumption into heaven calls people to put aside all those insignificant, mundane and petty concerns competing for their attention and instead be drawn to God and his greatness, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis announced Thursday that he is giving 6,000 blessed rosaries to Catholic communities in Syria as a sign of his closeness on the Marian Feast of the Assumption.