He is appointing Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, to become prefect of the Vatican department responsible for all the church's religious orders.

The appointment marks a major step in Pope Francis' aim to give women more leadership roles in governing the church.

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Putting a spotlight on the 'scourge of child labor,' the Holy Father lamented that there are 'too many children forced to work' who are unable to smile, dream, or nurture their talents.