The State Department has canceled all refugee travel to the U.S., following a Jan. 20 executive order by newly inaugurated President Donald Trump.

The specter of the lingering wildfires hung in the air as thousands gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Jan. 18 for the 11th annual OneLife LA celebration and Requiem Mass for the Unborn.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the federal death penalty Jan. 20, among the first actions of his second term, directing the attorney general to “pursue the death penalty for all crimes of a severity demanding its use,” prompting statements of concern from Catholic opponents of the practice.

Executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on issues including migration, the environment and the death penalty are “deeply troubling,” Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a Jan. 22 statement, while praising another on gender policy.

Catholic leaders in the Holy Land called on Christian pilgrims to return to the region following the implementation of the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

President Donald Trump signed executive orders Jan. 20 that direct the U.S. government to only recognize two sexes, male and female, and another ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs within federal agencies.

Women religious are meant to be serving the poor, marginalized or vulnerable in society, not be working as servants to members of the church, Pope Francis said.

In vitro fertilization, which is contrary to Catholic teaching, poses threats “to human dignity and human rights” in ways both “very obvious” and “at other times quite subtle,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va.

God tells Christians not to be afraid because he is always close, accompanying the faithful throughout their lives and through all their challenges, Pope Francis said.

The Trump administration said Jan. 21 it would rescind a long-standing policy preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making arrests at what are seen as sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals.