Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's medical condition remains serious, but the Vatican reported Thursday that he is "lucid and alert."

The emeritus pope Benedict XVI has suffered a decline in health, Pope Francis said today at the end of his general audience. He asked for prayers for the 95-year-old former pontiff.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the pope’s message inviting people to pay less attention to presents and more to prayer,.

Pope Francis’ message to the Roman Curia has often been challenging, even provocative, and this year’s address was no exception.

As the new prefect, Maximino Caballero Ledo becomes the second lay man to hold a top position in the Vatican.

Pope Francis called for overcoming polarization in the life of the Catholic Church in an exclusive interview with America magazine.