C onflicting SIGNALS are reaching the new American administration from Rome. And some carry a whiff of incense. While Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, was preparing to fly to Washington to schmooze President Donald Trump and his chums, a leader on the other side of the Tiber was communicating stark disapproval of their plans.

Constantly in the public eye, Pope Francis is instantly recognisable across the globe, and his likeness adorns t-shirts, mugs, calendars, bookmarks, medals and jewellery, among other things. Too conservative for some, not conservative enough for others, he is the face of the modern Catholic Church.

Pope Francis on Monday offered wishes to US President-elect Donald Trump in a message sent ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC. He expressed hope that US under Trump's leadership will prosper and always strive to "build a more just society,

It is an autobiography, but for me autobiographies are to thank God for what he has done with my life,' he said.

I have arrived this far, taken these actions, removed these people, now it’s your turn,” said Benedict XVI, when handing the box over to the current Pope, Francis.

One of Francis’ lasting reforms will be his reshaping of the papacy to embrace simplicity and humility. In his new autobiography, “Hope,” he shows remarkable openness about his own failings.

Biden was set to travel to Rome from Jan. 9–12 at Pope Francis’ invitation. His audience with the Holy Father was set for Jan. 10.

Pope Francis' autobiography, Hope ... But they couldn't sell their belongings in Italy in time to make the voyage to Argentina. Forced to delay, they exchanged their tickets for a later ship instead. "That is why I'm here now," Francis writes.

The book, which was six years in the making, vividly recreates Francis’ childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new insights into his papacy.

Pope Francis is set to feature in a documentary filmed in the Sistine Chapel about the universal power of pop culture and the performing arts, titled “Preacher of Beauty: A Spiritual Journey Through Art and Faith.

President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the first time in his term the president has bestowed that honor, the White House announced on Saturday.