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The Pope, who is full of surprises, has done it again by announcing that a Canadian Jesuit priest will join 12 archbishops and bishops who will be made cardinals next month in Rome.

VATICAN CITY -- In a step designed to quell ongoing controversies, the Vatican announced the appointment of a vicar for the head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and Pope Francis conferred on him the personal title of archbishop.

Pope Francis sent a video message to the people of Mozambique Aug. 30 in advance of his arrival in the country Sept. 4.

VATICAN CITY -- While listening to and obeying God's word brings healing and comfort to those in need, it also can attract disdain and even hatred from others, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- At a time when conflict and division dominate the world's headlines, people need to know there are a growing number of important initiatives to promote interreligious dialogue and understanding, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- A life marked by humility, faith and love determines whether Christians enter heaven, not who they know, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Describing the Amazon rainforest as "vital for our planet," Pope Francis joined the regions bishops in praying for action to extinguish the massive fires burning there.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis used the unexpected appearance of a young autistic girl at his weekly general audience to make a point about prayer and suffering.

VATICAN CITY -- Popular movements can spark the change needed to ensure a future that is no longer in the hands of elites and powerful people, but includes the poor who have the inalienable right to a life of dignity, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Christians must not be hypocrites, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Mary's assumption into heaven calls people to put aside all those insignificant, mundane and petty concerns competing for their attention and instead be drawn to God and his greatness, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- In hopeless situations of pain and suffering, God never abandons his children but rather remains close to them, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY -- Marking the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Pope Francis urged nations to recall the need to protect the life and dignity of the victims of war and armed conflict.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis approved new statutes for the Institute for the Works of Religion, often referred to as the Vatican bank, that include structural changes and a mandatory external audit.

VATICAN CITY (CNA) -- The ordination to the priesthood of mature, married men, sometimes called viri probati, is among the topics to be addressed at October������Ƶapp Amazon synod but is “absolutely not” one of the principle themes of the meeting, Pope Francis said.