Alexandra DeSanctis: We are called to defend the least among us, and there is no more weak and defenseless population than unborn human beings.

A news release from the Diocese of Peoria said it was informed Dec. 2 that Vatican had decided to postpone the Dec. 21 ceremony "at the request of a few members" of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Christ came to save 'the least, the last and the lost.' God takes the side of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized—we can, too, and must take their side as well."

Even as we debate the moral duties of faithful voters, we as a Catholic community have not succeeded in forming faithful candidates.

At the start of their meeting Nov. 11, the bishops raised pressing issues that included the priesthood shortage, gun violence and the need to provide support services for pregnant women.

“The Holy See acknowledges the decision of Australia’s High Court to accept Card. George Pell’s request of appeal, aware that the cardinal has always maintained his innocence.”