During an interview with Mexican television, marking the second anniversary of his election, the Argentina-born pope, said: "I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief. Four or five years; I do not know, even two or three."
The pope could be visiting his home country of Argentina next year as he plans to visit other South American nations around that time. However, the pope believes he will not be in office for the rest of his life but only a few more years.
To welcome the 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis instructed the group to exercise pure charity and put aside other emotions, namely "pride" and "jealousy."
Opting not to have children is "a selfish choice," Pope Francis warned at the Vatican on Thursday. The leader of the world's more than 1.2 billion Catholics noted "life rejuvenates and acquires energy when it multiplies."
Prostitution is a legal and common practice in Italy, and Rome wants to make the sex industry that thrives within its borders a safer, cleaner enterprise. Ignazio Marino, the mayor of the eternal city, is considering, along with other Roman officials, designating a "red light" district in order to shield prostitutes from potential exploitation and protect families from embarrassment.
Spanking children to discipline them is acceptable as long as their dignity is maintained, Pope Francis - the leader of the world's more than 1.2 billion Catholics - said this week. The pontiff encouraged parents to forgive but also "correct with firmness."
Bishops around the globe must fully cooperate with a Vatican commission created to protect children from sexual abuse by clerics, Pope Francis demanded in a letter dated Feb. 2.
Pope Francis had officially decreed that Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, a man who was killed in 1980 because of his Catholic faith, is now a martyr.
The pope expressed solidarity with undocumented immigrants who cross the border from Mexico. Though he will not be able to visit the country, Pope Francis will be planning trips to South America.
Pope Francis minced no words aboard the papal plane on Monday when he told the world's more than 1 billion Catholics that they need not breed "like rabbits."
Pope Francis officially confirmed on Monday that he will visit Washington, DC, New York City and Philadelphia during his upcoming trip to the United States this fall.
Pope Francis announced on Thursday that he plans to canonize Father Junipero Serra, a missionary who brought Christianity to California in the 18th century, during his upcoming trip to the United States later this year.
Pope Francis welcomed Angelina Jolie to the Vatican on Thursday after the movie "Unbroken," which the actress produced and directed, premiered in the city-state. The private screening took place at a patrician villa that is home to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the station noted.
On Thursday, movie megastar Angelina Jolie had a very important figure approach her after a screening of "Unbroken," which she directed, at the Vatican.
