Pope Francis prayed that Catholics in China would be free to share the Gospel and live their faith fully.

The prayers of nuns and monks are like "oxygen" for all members of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- People need to find harmony between prayer and the demands of everyday life, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Those who overcome distractions or obstacles when praying learn the value of perseverance in times of trial, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Because prayer is a dialogue with God, people should not dismiss or be embarrassed by saying their prayers out loud or in a whisper, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Every Christian is unique because the Holy Spirit inspires something new and original in each person, creating "an endless field of holiness," Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- The liturgy is not a spectacle to be observed but a prayerful event where Christians encounter Christ's presence in their lives, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis said he was dismayed by Catholic communities and groups that claim to be working to improve church life, but attempt to do so without prayer, the Eucharist and unity with the rest of the church.

VATICAN CITY -- After the Vatican released its extensive report on Theodore E. McCarrick, Pope Francis renewed the Catholic Church's pledge to uproot the scourge of sexual abuse.

VATICAN CITY -- As protests against a near-total ban on abortions gripped Poland, Pope Francis urged the people of the country to defend life.