Catholics represent fewer than three percent of the population of Indonesia -- about eight million people, compared with the 87 percent, or 242 million, who are Muslim.

The Pope’s urging comes at an appropriate juncture in the now-flagging momentum of the global environmental movement

Pope Francis called for respect for rights and justice in a keenly-watched address in Myanmar yesterday, but refrained from any mention of the Rohingya or the alleged ethnic cleansing that has driven huge numbers of the Muslim minority from the country.

Cardinal George Pell, one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican and Australia's most senior Catholic, is charged with historical child sex offences, which he "strenuously denied".

Pope Francis has urged Kenyans to unite and take a stand against the destructive effects of tribalism.

Pope Francis has met Cuba's former President, Fidel Castro, after celebrating mass in front of tens of thousands of people in Havana.