When I worked for U.S.A.I.D., I was not a churchgoer, but the moral vision was clear: We Americans, in our affluence, must reach out to those in need with generosity.

Most humanitarian agencies operate just ahead of insolvency in the best of times, Nate Radomski, the executive director of American Jesuits International, says.

The rapid victory of the Sunni opposition fighters over regular army units loyal to Mr. al-Assad has left many wondering how Syria’s minority faith groups—Alawites, Christians, Shiites and others—will fare as H.T.S. consolidates its control.

Catholic institutions in Zimbabwe and other African states once could rely on support from retired missionaries. Now the decline in missionary numbers has left African religious communities facing a financial crunch.

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Ricardo speaks with Gerry about Pope Francis’ criticism of U.S. mass deportations and Cuba's Vatican-backed plan to release 533 political prisoners.

The Catholic Church in El Salvador finds its voice in opposition to lifting of prohibition on mining.