Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley reportedly will tell the pope that the church in Ireland is “on the edge” of collapse because of the abuse scandals.

The archbishop of Milwaukee issued a statement on Feb. 16 that came down squarely in favor of workers’ rights.

The Catholic Church’s example for development holds valuable lessons, said one prominent economist.

The federal budget crunch should not be eased by cutting programs that help the poor, refugees and the unemployed, warned church leaders.

John Sweeney, former president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., was honored along with a Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Feb. 15.

Representatives of Catholic organizations said that massive foreign investment in Africa is pushing small farmers off their land.