The first ever Latin American Pope will visit the Caribbean island and the US for the first time, amid hopes, controversies and challenges.

In his July 13 in-flight interview to Rome from Paraguay, Pope Francis indicated that he would “have to begin to study” for his first trip to the United States.

Time will tell if his preparation has paid off.

Francis will become the third pope to visit the White House, when President Barack Obama welcomes him there at the beginning of his much anticipated five-and-a-half day apostolic voyage.

The Pope recently, in a wide ranging radio interview, made reference to the security implications of the current refugee influx into the European Union. The Pope did not simply warn us that some ISIS wolves may be entering dressed as refugee sheep, rather he emphasised that we should receive refugees despite the risks involved. Nevertheless, he did point out the obvious: that with such a large number coming in, and coming in so quickly, it is has proved impossible to vet each arrival.

On September 8, Sean Salai, S.J. interviewed Fr. Robert J. Kaslyn, S.J. about canon law and various issues related to marriage.Fr. Robert J. Kaslyn, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and canon lawyer who serves as Dean of the School of Canon Law at Catholic University of America—the only school of canon law in the United States. He earned his doctorate in canon law (J.C.D.) from St. Paul University in Ottawa. He also holds S.T.B. and S.T.L. degrees in theology from Regis College at the University of Toronto. He specializes in ecclesiology and the sacrament of holy orders.

Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael I on the refugees who are fleeing to Europe: “Any declaration that may incite our people to emigrate is irresponsible at this time”

A week before the Pope is due to travel to the US, the “confidential” documents of the US administration reveal that the country is fully in tune with Francis’ objectives.

“Pope Francis’ diplomatic legacy is still being built, but “pastoral conversion”, which is the hallmark of his pontificate is taking shape in important ways. The Pope’s grip on the world stage means his pastoral actions will have widespread political implications.”

Pope Francis looks ahead to the meeting on climate change in Paris. Dialogue needs to be stepped up in order to create an “authentic alliance” that can bring about “significant global environmental agreements”. The CEO of the Italian postal service gave him an electric bicycle as a gift

In a message he addressed to Archbishop Rino Fisichela, president of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization and head of Jubilee initiatives who has been named as responsible for celebrations marking the “Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy”(which starts on December 8), Pope Francis dotted all the “i”s an crossed all the “t”s.

Pope Francis received on Thursday, September 10, the Équipes Notre-Dame, an international Catholic movement for Christian married couples, in audience. “A happy couple can understand the pain of failed love”. He condemned “ideological colonizations” and urged support for the numerous wounded families out there.

''Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'' (Mt 25:40)

At Sunday's Angelus, September 6, Pope Francis invited every parish, religious house and monastery in Europe to respond to the growing refugee crisis by offering a place of sanctuary to families fleeing from war and persecution in their home countries. The Pope calls on our generosity and solidarity to recognise and act upon our common humanity.