In the midst of controversial court cases and their reverberations in Mississippi, Bishop Kopacz says: "People of faith are called to be active in the political process — to protect the dignity of each human being and to make our communities stronger overall."

The Council gathered to plan for greater integration of young, Hispanic Catholics in the Church, as well as for upcoming, nationwide encounter called V Encuentro

Pope Francis challenges Christian organizations meeting in Munich "to welcome and show solidarity toward those who are weak and disadvantaged, to build bridges and overcome conflicts whether they are open or latent."

Pope Francis honors what St. John Paul II called the indulgence's message of "pardon and reconciliation, that is, of grace, which divine goodness pours out on us if we are well disposed because God is truly rich in mercy."

Speakers at a news conference said they want answers to why 37-year-old Alton Sterling was shot and killed outside a convenience store where he was selling CDs.

"At least 6.5 million people will be food insecure in the coming year, according to a May government assessment. Malawi has a population of 16 million people."