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The first meeting between the Vatican and the new Italian government will tale place later on Tuesday with a reception at the Holy See's mission to Italy to celebrate the fifth year of Francis's papacy, sources said.

Homosexuality and gender issues will be among the subjects the Catholic Church will look in October's synod of bishops on the needs of young people, according to a preparatory document released by the Vatican on Tuesday.

Pope Francis told an audience with people who have received Italy's Maestro del Lavoro labour merit award that migrants should not be left to fend for themselves at sea.

Pope Francis on Thursday stigmatised a fear of the poor that "makes us afraid for our safety". In a message for the second World Day of the Poor, he said the pleas of the poor "are silenced by dissonant tones, often determined by a phobia for the poor".

Pope Francis said Wednesday that he hopes the soccer World Cup will be an occasion for "encounter, dialogue and brotherhood between different cultures and religions, and that it will favour solidarity and peace among nations".