Pope Francis will this week call for changes in lifestyles and energy consumption to avert the "unprecedented destruction of the ecosystem" before the end of this century, according to a leaked draft of a papal encyclical. In a document released by an Italian magazine on Monday, the pontiff will warn that failure to act would have "grave consequences for all of us".

Pope Francis hosted the Israeli and Palestinian Presidents at the Vatican for an unprecedented prayer meeting among Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as "remarkable".

Pope Francis kicked off his Monday with a swing through the Dome of the Rock, a holy spot for three religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - and a call for universal peace, his signature message.