The statistical yearbook noted “a general downward trend in the relative number of baptisms, following closely the trend in the birthrate in most countries.”

While the path to creating a great story about Jesus is filled with good intentions, there are also a lot of landmines.

According to a police report, a 73-year-old man and an 80-year-old man were assaulted, one severely, outside of the Planned Parenthood in a building that shares a wall with a pro-life pregnancy resource center.

The pope’s refusal to cheer either side in this war gives him credibility as mediator.

A Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, by Terrance Klein

A Reflection for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Kerry Weber

In his general audience, Pope Francis discusses the apostolic zeal of Matteo Ricci, the Jesuit who successfully taught and spread the Gospel in China in the 1500s.

At least $17 million has been transferred from the Vatican's U.S.-based missionary fundraising coffers into an impact investing vehicle run by a priest, the former head of the U.S. organization.

Among the 53,000 Americans killed in World War I was Joyce Kilmer, a distinguished poet and essayist who died in battle at the age of 31.