The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are opposed to the bill—even with a newly added amendment aimed at attracting Republican support—saying it is a dire threat to religious liberty.

The appointment of Gleison De Paula Souza as secretary means that now three out of the four senior positions of responsibility at the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life are held by laypeople.

A Reflection for Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, by Simcha Fisher

A Reflection for the Optional Memorial of St. Margaret of Scotland, by Molly Cahill

The Rev. Thomas J. Shelley, who died on Monday, taught generations of priests, men and women religious and lay scholars the ins and outs of Catholic history.

The centuries-old silver fir tree that had been destined to become the centerpiece Christmas decoration in St. Peter’s Square will now live, perhaps to see another century.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services was elected Nov. 15 to a three-year term as president of the U.S.C.C.B. during the bishops’ fall general assembly in Baltimore.

The March for Life will take place Jan. 20, but the Washington archdiocese has canceled the Youth Rally and Mass for Life, which have taken place ahead of every march for more than 25 years.

When you talk to Catholics about the church today, especially younger Catholics, a frequent complaint is that the church is not a welcoming place. How are we responding?

A Reflection for Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time, by Valerie Schultz