"Reflecting on the lives of these great men and women can show us how we might serve as witnesses to freedom today."

Opening the Year of Mercy jubilee celebration for the sick and persons with disabilities, Redemptorist Father Cyril Axelrod insisted sign language, tactile sign language and body language are "gifts of the Holy Spirit."

The causes of mass shootings are as disparate as the cases themselves, but those involved in other tragedies couldn't help but feel the similarities.

Orlando authorities said they consider the rampage an act of domestic terror.

The elevation is a call to "reflect more deeply on the dignity of women, the new evangelization and the greatness of the mystery of divine mercy."

The nomination came two days after Francis laid out the legal procedures to oust a bishop for negligence.