By adopting an attitude free of judging others, the pope argues, the world will be a more peaceful place.

A conversation with Liel Leibovitz and Stephanie Butnick on faith, fasting and podcasting

As same-sex marriage becomes more mainstream, the church holds the line on L.G.B.T. issues.

On Wednesday, the German bishops’ conference sought to correct reports that the cardinal endorsed the blessing of same-sex unions.

Mary McAleese, who has a gay son and has criticized the church’s position on L.G.B.T. issues, was invited to participate in a panel discussion on women in church governance.

“You will see many protests during his mandate...because Honduras hasn’t fixed its age-old problems of inequality, exclusion, poor educational and health system, corruption and impunity.”

“We are losing three generations of people, and we need to hear why,” said Bishop Mark O’Connell.

Transgender patients “need to know they are welcome and they will not be looked down upon” if they come to Catholic institutions seeking treatment, says Sister Carol Keehan.

Leading Democrats and LGBT groups immediately denounced the move, saying "conscience protections" could become a license to discriminate, particularly against gay and transgender people.