Observers say the court decision sets precedent and will lead to decriminalization across the country. The decision also removed criminal sanctions for abortion providers.

“Pope Francis invites the entire church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: ‘It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the church of the third millennium,’” the document says.

“We did a lot for the Catholic vote,” the former president said on a call announcing the launch of a new national faith advisory board. “So we’ll have to talk to them. We’re gonna have to meet with the Catholics.”

To date women haven’t been able to vote—not even the religious superiors who participate as representatives of the world’s 641,000 nuns.

A task force created by the Archdiocese of Seattle urges more pastoral outreach to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics. But it declined to press for changes to employment provisions at Catholic institutions.

The panel consisted of six Catholics from across the medical field and around the globe and they made appeals to a shared faith identity and to “pro-life” values.

In a late-night decision Sept. 1, the Supreme Court ruled against blocking a Texas law banning abortions at six weeks of pregnancy.

America’s major religions and denominations, often divided on other big issues, have united behind the effort to help receive an influx of refugees from Afghanistan following the end of the United States’ longest war.

“I don’t know where they got it from last week that I was going to resign.... It didn’t even cross my mind,” Pope Francis said in the first interview since his July 4 operation.

Families are trying to be hopeful and trying to keep perspective. But they're also anxious, frustrated and exhausted.