Speaking with Catholic News Service before formally taking possession of his titular church in Rome April 21, Cardinal Christophe Pierre described the reality of the church in the United States as a “paradox.”

The world can change for the better only when people are out in the world, “not lying on the couch,” Pope Francis told some 6,000 Italian schoolchildren.

Pope Francis warned against contemplative orders using defensive, nostalgic strategies “when it comes to reflecting on a whether a monastery should be saved or abandoned, on community life or about vocations.”

Organizers of the archdiocese‘s restructuring process have pointed out that there are far more seats available in the pews in the city than people attending Mass, and there are more funerals than baptisms.

Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals continued their discussions about the role of women in the church, listening to women experts, including a professor who spoke about how culture impacts women’s roles and status.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York said he “feel[s] safe and secure” April 14, after Israel defended itself overnight from unprecedented Iranian drone strikes and missiles.