Pope Francis said he would not live in the Vatican or return to his native Argentina if and when he ever retires, but would instead like to find a church in Rome where he could continue hearing confessions.
Were a papal document forthcoming it could lead to a new and definitive papal teaching document on issues as polarizing as contraception, assisted procreation and palliative care.
The U.S. bishops’ pro-life chairman said it is “deeply disturbing and tragic” that the president has chosen to use his power as the nation’s chief executive “to promote and facilitate abortion in our country.”
"Today we are remembering the priests, the journalists, the social activists and the young people who have died violently," Fr. Jorge Atilano González told his congregation.
The bishops’ conciliatory statements are being overshadowed by the specter of punitive cruelty toward women confronting crisis pregnancies. They must speak out again.