Pope Francis on Thursday called for global dialogue with the view to preventing world war. This is as he expressed concern about the increasingly concrete threat of a world war at a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors.

Pope Francis expressed concern about "the increasingly concrete threat of a world war" at a New Year's reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See on Thursday. The head of the Catholic Church called on diplomats to engage in dialogue,

The pope pointed to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump as an example of growing polarization and mistrust.

The appointment marks a major step in Pope Francis’ aim to give women more leadership roles in governing the church.

Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, tapping Sister Simona Brambilla to become prefect of the Vatican department responsible for all the world’s religious orders.

Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office. He is appointing Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, to become prefect of the Vatican department responsible for all the church's religious orders.