Praying for those in Ecuador. Political clashes have caused riots between police and demonstrators.

This morning in Rome, I appointed Father Jose Alan V. Dialogo as the new bishop to the Philippine Diocese of Sorsogon. Father Dialogo is the director of the Cardinal Sin Welcome Home for retired priests of Manila Archdiocese.

The typhoon in Plaid Japan is tragic, it’s Said be the the largest in 60 years. My prayers go out to those in Fukushima. Just to also put it out there, my November travel plans to Japan are likely to be unaffected.

Today I appointed Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti as the new Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps. I know it seems like a quick turn so round considering Giani resigned just yesterday.

This morning at the Vatican, I sent a letter to the FAO Director General, Qi Dongyu. I sent it for World Food Day, regarding my concern for the distorted relationship between food and nutrition around the world.

This morning at mass in Casa Santa Marta, I said that hypocrisy kills and learning to accuse ourselves and open up to the Lord is what will free us from hypocrisy.

To sum up my General Audience of Wednesday: I focused on the experience of St. Peter to urge all Christians to be amazed by God’a surprises and creativity.

Here is Rome, the Amazon Synod is half way done today. Today I talked about how our mission shouldn’t begin with the poor, but with Christ.

Excited for my visit to Japan, only a month away!

Just my thoughts, but food is becoming an avenue of destruction for humanity.

Yesterday in Rome at the Synod, I meet with 40 indigenous people. They were accompanied by Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes and expressed their gratitude for the Synod, and asked for help implementing peaceful and happy lives to their people. Was a honor to meet with them.

Today I appointed 3 new bishops in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Myanmar.

I believe that beauty and art foster brotherhood between people.

At Ethnological Museum today, looking at the beautiful art that unites us.

I affirmed that the Catholic Church’s duty to indigenous Amazonians hurt by climate change.

Today is World Missions day. To all the Catholics here in Rome with me and those around the world, I encourage you to share Christ’s love with everyone.

Another mission I have today, on World Mission Day, is that every baptized person cooperated in the proclamation of the world.

I signed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, “Holy Davidson.” The proceeds for the sale are going towards building an orphanage and school in Uganda.

Beautiful Day here in Rome! Can’t believe it’s 80 degrees and sunny. The Lord is looking down on us today.

In a video message today I encouraged the work of the International Christian Maritime Association to “help the people of the sea to know Jesus Christ and to live according to His teachings.”