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.

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington raised some concerns Jan. 21 over policies being advanced by the new Trump administration, asking President Donald Trump at an event where he was in attendance to show “mercy” to migrants and refugees coming to the U.S. for a better life.

Displaying a despondent countenance before a throng of national media, University of Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman and two of his stalwart seniors — quarterback Riley Leonard and linebacker Jack Kiser — fielded numerous questions following a 34-23 loss to Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff national championship Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Hours after the inauguration, Trump issued several executive orders, one of which declared migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border an emergency.

A coalition of advocacy groups led by the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Jan. 20 challenging President Donald Trump’s Day 1 executive order seeking to change the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which grants birthright citizenship.

Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba, South Sudan, called for restraint and compassion, as the alleged killings of South Sudanese refugees in the war-torn Sudan sparked retaliatory attacks across the country.

The best investments to make are the ones that benefit other people, Pope Francis said.

Among the first acts of his second term, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders including on immigration, birthright citizenship and climate. Some Catholic organizations expressed concern about the scope of his orders and their potential impact on migrants.