Poverty and inequality, which are major factors in child labor exploitation, must be addressed, Pope Francis said in a written message.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, encouraged men and women in the military to download a new app designed to connect them to the Catholic faith and provide the consolation of prayer in times of war and uncertainty.

An evening talk, which was preceded by a morning Mass celebrated by Cardinal Robert Sarah, was part of the closing celebration of the 200th anniversary of the dedication of the Baltimore Basilica, the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States.

Several U.S. Catholic bishops expressed sorrow and called out racism and gun violence after reports of a May 14 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, that left at least three injured and 10 dead — a crime authorities categorized as likely motivated by hatred for Black people.

The lives of the saints prove that holiness is not an unreachable goal accomplished by a select few but comes from acknowledging and sharing God’s love, Pope Francis said.