Two North Carolina pastors told OSV News their parish security plans were put to a real-life test when an active shooting unfolded nearby — and safety and mental health ministries are serving as a model for other churches, said lay leaders.

The national kickoff for the annual A-Cross America Relay for Life, began early Aug. 26 in Manhattan, with a group walking and praying for the end of abortion.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise disclosed Aug. 29 that he has been diagnosed with a “very treatable” form of blood cancer.

Pope Francis confirmed plans to publish a “second Laudato Si’,” which is expected to update and expand on his 2015 encyclical on the environment.

The Archdiocese of Armagh’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of the opening of St Patrick’s Cathedral culminated with Mass Aug. 27 celebrated by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York during which he paid tribute to the “cycle of evangelization” between Ireland and the United States.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will seek the passage of a 15-week abortion ban if Republicans gain control of the state’s General Assembly this fall, NBC News reported.

Pope Francis asked a group of Italian journalists to shun fake news and a love of scandal, including when covering the Catholic Church and the upcoming assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

Pope Francis asked people to accompany him to “the heart of Asia,” Mongolia, with their prayers.

Although Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine may make peace seem an impossible dream, Pope Francis urged young Russian Catholics to sow seeds of reconciliation and peace however they can.

Pope Francis prayed that God would raise up a new generation of “well-educated and faithful Catholics leaders committed to promoting the church’s social and ethical teachings” through public service, especially in politics.