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Pope Francis appoints Italian nun Alessandra Smerilli as Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, becoming the first woman to do so.
2021-08-26

Pope Francis arrives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, becoming the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula.
2019-02-3

Pope Francis becomes the first Pope ever to address a Joint Session of the United States Congress. Afterwards, he greets onlookers at the National Mall. He addresses many issues: abortion and the sanctity of life, the importance of the family and of marriage, climate change, immigration and the refugee crises caused by global unrest, proper business conduct, and worldwide abolition of capital punishment.
2015-09-24

Pope Benedict XVI delivers the annual Christmas message at Saint Peter's Square and holds the traditional Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
2012-12-25

Pope Benedict XVI calls for a political solution to the conflict in Syria during his Christmas message, delivered to thousands of pilgrims in Vatican City.
2012-12-25

Pope Benedict XVI sends his first Twitter message with an assist using his personal account (pontifex Benedict XVI).
2012-12-12

Pope Benedict XVI names seven new saints, including Kateri Tekakwitha, Marianne Cope, Pedro Calungsod, and Anna Schäffer.
2012-10-21

Pope Benedict XVI adds Arabic to weekly Vatican address in front of pilgrims.
2012-10-10

China accuses the Vatican of obstructing the development of Catholicism after the latter threatens to excommunicate new bishops ordained without papal approval.
2012-07-4

Pope John Paul II is beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in Saint Peter's Square, Rome.
2011-05-1