Pope Francis expressed concern about "the increasingly concrete threat of a world war" at a New Year's reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See on Thursday. The head of the Catholic Church called on diplomats to engage in dialogue,

Pope Francis on Thursday called for global dialogue with the view to preventing world war. This is as he expressed concern about the increasingly concrete threat of a world war at a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors.

The pope pointed to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump as an example of growing polarization and mistrust.

The appointment marks a major step in Pope Francis’ aim to give women more leadership roles in governing the church.

Pope Francis on Monday named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, appointing an Italian nun, Sister Simona Brambilla, to become prefect of the department responsible for all the

Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office. He is appointing Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, to become prefect of the Vatican department responsible for all the church's religious orders.