Faith

VATICAN CITY -- God wants everyone to take a risk to share with others the gifts he has given to them -- their life, talents and his love, Pope Francis said.

NEW YORK -- To those who ask why the Catholic Church seems to be "obsessed" with the poor, the Vatican's secretary of state said, "The answer is simple. Because this is who we are."

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will highlight the important role of memory and storytelling across generations as a way to bring people together in a world marked by discord and division, the Vatican said.

VATICAN CITY -- To help the church grow in love and faithful witness to God, Pope Francis has declared the third Sunday in Ordinary Time to be dedicated to the word of God.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis called on more religious orders of men and women, as well as foundations and benefactors, to get involved and help an international network of women religious in the fight against human trafficking.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis told volunteers and social workers that they can guard against discouragement by always being with Christ when working with people in difficulty.

ROME -- While his responsibilities are greater and his prayer list longer, Pope Francis said he's basically the same person he was before he was elected in 2013, so he still goes to confession every two weeks.

VATICAN CITY -- The act of bearing false witness to destroy someone is an attack against the body of the church, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Catholic journalists need to be able to distinguish good from evil and recognize how their words can shape the world, not just describe what has happened, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church must not become a distant memory for men and women today but must be a welcoming place where everyone feels at home, Pope Francis said.