On March 25, hoping to suppress the spread of the coronavirus, India began the world’s largest lockdown, affecting 1.3 billion people. But the sudden move to close down all but essential services threw millions out of work and began a desperate exodus of migrant and day laborers out of the big cities.

The coronavirus has made clear how much we depend on the contributions of essential workers, many of them immigrants, writes Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Migration.

Church leaders in Africa are urging more attention be paid to the problem of spousal abuse during the pandemic.

As much as 75 percent of Lebanon’s population is in need of emergency assistance.

This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, the hosts discuss the Vatican's work to lead the world’s humanitarian and diplomatic response to the coronavirus pandemic, even as it faces a major decrease in income.

Health work during a pandemic can be dangerous and the thought of falling ill themselves cannot be too far from the minds of medical and sanitation teams. But thousands of other relief and development staff and volunteers will face many of the same risks and fears.