"Alta," which means "higher" in Spanish, and "Baja" California, or "lower," were once one territory. In the 19th century, the vast area was governed first by Spain and then by Mexico.

A diocesan bishop is the sole judge in the streamlined process for handling marriage annulments, Pope Francis said.

“The Senate proposal is fundamentally flawed as written and requires amendment,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane in a Nov. 22 letter to senators.

The change was in “no way” a response to the C.C.H.D.’s persistent online critics, an archdiocesan official says.

"These threats to so many vulnerable immigrant and refugee families must end now."

Cardinal Bernardin’s consistent ethic of life could be helpful as the church grapples with issues like migration, health care and even taxes, some bishops say.