Pope thanks Greece for taking migrantsMORIA, Greece — Pope Francis made an emotional visit to Greece on Saturday to thank its people for welcoming migrants and meet with refugees as the European Union implements a controversial plan to deport them back to Turkey.Greek state television reported Francis had offered to take 10 refugees — eight Syrians and two Afghans — back with him when he leaves. Asked about the report, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi told The Associated Press: “I have nothing to say at this time.”The Vatican is already hosting two refugee families, so the gesture would be in keeping with Francis’ call for Europe to open its hearts and borders to those most in need.Many refugees fell to their knees as Francis approached at the Moria detention center on the Greek island of Lesbos. Others chanted “Freedom! Freedom!” as he passed.

Sanders addresses Vatican conferenceVATICAN CITY — Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address “immoral and unsustainable” wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign.The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War.Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York on Thursday, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday’s crucial New York primary.By The Associated Press