The former head of the Vatican's doctrine office denied reports claiming he was dismissed by Pope Francis due to differences in doctrinal matters.

Despite differences of opinion on Cardinal Stepinac's life, the commission members said they were aware that the final decision on his canonization is of "the exclusive competence of the pope"

While Europe has played a significantly weighty role in the development of Christianity, "now we see how the church is growing in numbers in Latin America, in Africa and in Asia. The pope is making this clear. This universal character of the church is very beautiful."

Labor unions must guard and protect workers, but also defend the rights of those "outside the walls," Pope Francis said.

Being a saint doesn't require spending long hours in prayer, but rather living life open to God in good times and in bad, Pope Francis said.

Parents must help young people see the blessing of growing into adulthood, Pope Francis told priests, religious, catechists and parish council members.

Pope Francis and members of his international Council of Cardinals discussed the possibility of allowing local bishops rather than the Vatican decide on certain matters.

Pope Francis appointed new members to the advisory body and included scientists, professors and experts in medicine and ethics from both religious and secular backgrounds.

Policies that involve criminalizing and detaining child migrants "are an insult to human dignity," the Vatican observer to U.N. said.

"Hypocrisy is not the language of Jesus. Hypocrisy is not the language of Christians. A Christian cannot be a hypocrite and a hypocrite cannot be a Christian. This is very clear," he said. "Hypocrisy can kill a community."