Continuing the long-running updating of laws and norms regarding Vatican expenditures and processes for awarding contracts, Pope Francis issued two documents Jan. 16.

For Catholics, studying Scripture and archaeology in the land of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection must be more than a scholarly exercise, Pope Francis said; it should have the pastoral dimension of helping others know and live the Gospel.

Former President Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses Jan. 15, according to multiple projections, marking his first electoral victory in a contest he has led in polling.

Just ahead of the 51st March for Life in Washington, the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus are hosting their second Life Fest with a focus on solidarity with mothers in need and commissioning a new generation committed to the cause of defending the dignity of all human life with love.

Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego called on all disciples of God to work to transform the world, particularly on the social justice front, just like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had once done.

Just like the “unnamed and countless toddlers” Herod ordered killed “to make sure that the Child Jesus would never reach maturity,” Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory said Jan. 13, “innocent children killed in the quest for inclusive, social justice have also paid the ultimate price for freedoms enjoyed by Americans today.”

As the world marked 100 days since the Hamas militants attacks that unleashed hell in the Holy Land, images of the children from Holy Family Parish — the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip — dressed in white albs to receive the sacrament were a stark and welcome contrast in a land that has had little reason to smile since Oct. 7.

Responding to questions from priests and deacons ministering in the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis said the possibility of blessing gay couples regards “people, not organizations” or their agendas.

Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, known as William Lai, who opposes Chinese control of Taiwan, won the island democracy’s Jan. 13 presidential election, widely watched for its international implications.

While a pope can resign, Pope Francis said it is not something he is thinking about or worrying about now.