Sharing the Gospel message requires closeness and tenderness, especially toward people most in need, Pope Francis said in separate meetings with a religious order of women and an order of men holding their general chapters in Rome.

Congress passed a stopgap funding measure Sept. 30, just a few hours before its deadline to avert a federal government shutdown.

On Sept. 18, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called Catholics to “radical solidarity” with vulnerable pregnant women in a letter titled “Living Radical Solidarity” issued ahead of the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Respect Life Month this October.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of Laphonza Butler, president of the abortion advocacy group Emily’s List, to California’s U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the recent death of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

The Catholic Church, in pursuit of “pastoral prudence,” should discern if there are ways of giving blessings to homosexual persons that do not alter the church’s teaching on marriage, Pope Francis said.

A roof collapsed during Mass in a Mexican church, claiming at least 10 lives as Catholic leaders offered prayers for the dead and injured, and Mexican society expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

The Supreme Court’s new term begins Oct. 2, and on its docket will be legal challenges concerning both the First and Second Amendments, as well as potentially other related major cases.

Rather than hide behind a façade of faithfulness, Christians should be sincere with God even when telling him “no,” Pope Francis said.

Peering just over the windowsill of Pope Francis’ studio above St. Peter’s Square, five children aged 7-10 joined the pope to announce a special gathering of children at the Vatican in November.

Every bishop in the world has made a promise to live and work in communion with the pope, a promise that includes obedience, said new U.S. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the first of 20 cardinals to receive his red hat from Pope Francis at a consistory Sept. 30.