There is a reason the Catholic Church often speaks of abortion and euthanasia together as life issues.

In a stunning move, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, 78, has filed a lawsuit for defamation against a Canadian woman for making “unfounded accusations of alleged sexual assault” against him.

As the pope’s step faltered, his cries for peace increased, although not without controversy and criticism.

Catholicism’s decline was especially noticeable in Quebec, the French-speaking and historically Catholic province where secularism is considered a key cultural value.

“Someone once said that tradition is the living memory of believers. Traditionalism instead is the dead life of our believers.”

“It was therefore a penitential pilgrimage,” Pope Francis said at today’s general audience. “There were many joyful moments, but the overall meaning and tone was reflection, repentance and reconciliation.”