Vatican City, Oct 5, 2016 / 06:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis gave a recap of his recent trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan, noting how this year both nations will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their independence from the Soviet regime.

“Both of these countries have very ancient historic, cultural and religious roots, but at the same time are living a new phase,” the Pope said Oct. 5, noting that for “a good part of the 20th century” they were both under the Soviet regime.

Vatican City, Oct 4, 2016 / 09:27 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his latest prayer video Pope Francis dedicates the month of October to praying for journalists – specifically that their work would always be motivated by strong ethics and respect for the truth.

The video, released Oct. 4, opens showing scenes of a television studio, recording studio, writing desks and satellites, which flash across the screen as the Pope speaks.

Amatrice, Italy, Oct 4, 2016 / 03:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Tuesday Pope Francis made an unannounced private visit to the small Italian city of Amatrice to offer support  areas devastated by a massive earthquake in August, where he offered a message of comfort and hope.

Aboard the papal plane, Oct 2, 2016 / 03:55 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On his way back from Georgia and Azerbaijan Pope Francis criticized what he called the “wicked” push of gender theory in schools, but stressed that individuals who struggle with their sexual identity ought to be treated with mercy, as Jesus would do.