The back-and-forth messages follow an increasingly public debate among the bishops about Catholic politicians who support keeping abortion legal and whether they should be denied access to the Eucharist.

The priest has criticized Catholics who are Democrats, saying they must "repent" of their support for the party or "face the fires of hell."

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and others are acting for the good of souls. As a last resort, they propose denying Communion to people who persistently and publicly promote the grave evil of legal abortion.

Many dioceses are dropping mask requirements and social distancing rules for fully vaccinated worshippers, relying on an honor system as pandemic restrictions ease further.

The pope‘s aim is to involve the whole church at diocesan, national and continental levels through a process of “listening and discernment” on the important theme of synodality.

Refugees are often seen through a political lens, writes Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, but the crisis at the Mexico border should remind us of the church’s essential ministry to those fleeing violence and poverty.