The pope and Cardinal McElroy both made statements this week on L.G.B.T. issues, which have until recently not been discussed by church officials.

Dolores R. Leckey, who was founding director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for the Laity in 1977 and at the time one of the highest ranking women in the U.S. Catholic Church, died peacefully of natural causes Jan. 17 in her home in Arlington.

“The recent shootings in Monterey Park and now in Half Moon Bay remind us of how fragile human life is, but also how precious human life is.”

A reflection for the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, by Tim Reidy

Bishop Álvarez briefly materialized in Managua for a pre-trial hearing, accused of “conspiracy to undermine national integrity and propagation of false news.” A frequent government critic, Bishop Álvarez had strongly objected to the closing of Catholic radio and television stations last year.

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, led by Polish Cardinal Krajewski, spent $2.2 million (2 million euros) in 2022 for humanitarian help in Ukraine.

“On this joyful occasion,” Pope Francis said he also wished to express his “spiritual closeness to all those who are going through moments of trial caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, by Cecilia González-Andrieu

Coverage of abortion as an issue was far more limited editorially immediately after the decision than in the decades since. Why?

In states like California, which expanded access to abortion after Roe was overturned last year, pro-life Latinos are asking: How can we make sure that the people who want to have kids are able to have them?