The Catholic Church should function like a choir where every member contributes his or her unique part to create a harmonious whole, Pope Francis said.

The Eucharist reflects God’s steadfast friendship and “journey of love” with his people, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington said in his homily at the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Mass June 9 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Francis once again renewed his call for a cease-fire in Gaza following the rescue of four hostages that led to what officials in Gaza said was the killing of more than 270 Palestinians in an Israeli rescue operation that one European Union diplomat deemed a “massacre.”

More than 1,200 faithful took to the streets of the nation’s capital June 8 to celebrate the arrival of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Archdiocese of Washington with prayers, songs and a procession.

The lawyer for the former Vatican employee accused of trying to sell St. Peter’s Basilica an allegedly stolen 17th-century manuscript about plans for the massive canopy over the basilica’s main altar said the illustrated manuscript is different from one listed in the archives and later reported missing.

In a world torn by strife, diplomacy offers hope by promoting dialogue, solidarity and cooperation for the common good, Pope Francis said.

Imbued with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the model for loving and serving others freed from the pursuit of wealth, power or fame, Pope Francis said.

Rome is unique and has a vocation as a universal city, Pope Francis said.

On June 4, a panel at Georgetown University in Washington — “The Civil Rights Act of 1964 After 60 Years: Challenges and Questions for Voters and the Nation in 2024” hosted by the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life — gathered to assess both progress, and the problems that remain.

In the wake of Mental Health Awareness Month, the U.S. is still “in the thick of things” and “will be for a long time” in addressing mental well-being, a leader of the U.S. bishops’ mental health initiative told OSV News.