Defending the dignity and sacredness of every human life requires working to create economic and social systems that promote the common good of all, Pope Francis said.

As the Israel-Hamas war enters its second year, expanding to a wider region of the Middle East, two Catholic agency leaders based in Jerusalem and Beirut are warning the conflict is decimating the populations they serve.

A great many things will matter when JD Vance enters the West Wing of the White House to take office after he is sworn in Jan. 20. How might his Catholicism impact what he brings to a new Trump administration and the business of running America?

With immigration an ongoing issue after the 2024 U.S. general election, three U.S. Catholic bishops issued a Nov. 14 statement of pastoral concern pledging support for immigrants.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development annual collection envelope — for those church parishioners who don’t use the electronic alternative, #iGiveCatholicTogether — announces that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ domestic anti-poverty program is “working on the margins.”

Before Pope Francis presides over Mass Nov. 17 for the World Day of the Poor, he will bless 13 keys to represent the 13 new houses he has pledged to pay for in Syria during the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican said.

In what is seen by the church of Paris as a triumphant return, the famous statue of the Virgin of the Pillar will be restored to her place in Notre Dame Cathedral Nov. 15.

The ruling Sandinista regime expelled the president of the Nicaraguan bishops’ conference, further decimating the country’s Catholic leadership as clergy are forced into exile.

There will be no white smoke nor a first blessing from the balcony. The election of the new leader of the world’s 85 million Anglicans won’t be similar to the Roman Catholic conclave, but King Charles III will have his say.

Christian martyrs from across denominations hold a place of honor in the church, Pope Francis said, highlighting their examples of faith and courage that continue to inspire Christians today.