South Sudan

As a South Sudanese bishop planned a memorial Mass for a priest and driver who went missing in late April, he demanded the authorities find the men dead or alive.

In focus: Pennsylvania death penalty, Portugal abuse report, papal resignation

In the spotlight: papal trip to Congo and South Sudan, feast of St. Blaise, Cardinal Pell funeral

Looking out at tens of thousands of smiling faces, Pope Francis told South Sudanese Catholics that the only way the country will get out of the darkness of violence is with the light of their faith and their commitment to peace.

Pope Francis’ fifth trip to the African continent will highlight gestures of peace and reconciliation, consoling the victims of violence but also emphasizing the importance of each person sowing peace in the family, the neighborhood and the nation.

In focus: Vatican creche, marker honoring the enslaved, papal trip to Africa

In the spotlight: Notre Dame exhibit, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Illinois mass shooting

In a wide-ranging interview with the Reuters news agency, Pope Francis condemned abortion, dismissed the idea that he’s preparing to resign and said he still hopes to be able to visit Russia and Ukraine in the fall.