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Pope Francis appoints Italian Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi as the Vatican's special envoy and peace envoy for the Russo-Ukrainian war.
2023-05-20

Pope Francis issues the apostolic letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”) for the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as patron of the universal Church. The Pope declares a special Year of St. Joseph (December 8, 2020 — December 8, 2021).
2020-12-8

The Holy See announces that Pope Francis will resume public audiences in September for the first time in nearly six months. However, the events will be limited to 500 people, held in a closed courtyard of the Apostolic Palace.
2020-08-26

Pope Francis arrives in Bangkok for a three-day visit to Thailand. The Catholic Church in Thailand is celebrating 350 years of Holy See recognition of the Church in Thailand. Bishop Arpondratana of Chiang Mai diocese states that the pope's visit is important for the Church in all of Asia.
2019-11-20

Pope Francis sends a video message to the people of Mozambique before his visit to the African country next week. He stresses reconciliation after years of conflict. The Pontiff says that “although I will be unable to travel beyond the capital, my heart reaches out and embraces you all, with a special place for those who live in difficulty.”
2019-08-30

Pope Francis arrives on the Greek island of Lesbos. Francis is expected to visit the Moria detention facility, where he will have lunch with some of the 3,060 men, women, and children there.
2016-04-16

Pope Francis arrives in Sri Lanka to begin a six day Asian tour.
2015-01-13

Pope Francis gives his first "Urbi et Orbi" speech calling for peace amidst the Syrian civil war and the 2013 South Sudan political crisis.
2013-12-25

Pope Francis meets with the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu at the Vatican to discuss global affairs including the nuclear program of Iran.
2013-12-2

Hundreds of Egyptian students angered by an outbreak of food poisoning at Al-Azhar University that affected 479 students storm the offices of Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque, a major venue for Sunni Muslim learning with which the university is affiliated.
2013-04-2