NATION/WORLD

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As a sign of his "esteem and friendship," Pope Francis said he personally wanted to write this year's Vatican message to Muslims about to celebrate the end of their monthlong Ramadan fast.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a weekly public audience earlier this year, the pope underscored one of his characteristic themes: the countercultural implications of membership in the church.

Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive "the grace of shame" for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord. The pope's homily was filled with references to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, meditations and instructions for a 30-day retreat that form the basis of Ignatian spirituality. He later visited the Chapel of Our Lady of the Way, patroness of the Jesuits.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Francis told reporters July 28, "Who am I to judge" a homosexual person, he was emphasizing a part of Catholic teaching often overlooked by the media and misunderstood by many people.

Read Bishop Olmsted's statement on Pope Francis' apostolic journey to World Youth Day and the reaction to the Holy Father's press conference.

RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- If Blessed John Paul II had an actor's mastery of the dramatic gesture and Pope Benedict XVI engaged the faithful most effectively through his learned and lucid writing, Pope Francis showed the world on his first international trip that his forte as a communicator is the simple, seemingly artless action that resonates powerfully in context.

RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- With the young pilgrims of World Youth Day, Pope Francis was encouraging and challenging; with the bishops, priests and religious who minister to them he was firm and blunt.

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM BRAZIL (CNS) -- Pope Francis said he was responding to the clear wishes of the College of Cardinals when he set up commissions to study the Vatican bank, Vatican financial and administrative procedures and the reform of the Roman Curia.

Julie Carrick is halfway through her speaking and music engagements for the year with another 50 or so to go. The city names and...

RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- For Americans at World Youth Day, it's not just seeing and praying with Pope Francis that's exciting, but the chance to bolster their own faith and take home their experiences.