"I strongly reaffirm the right of persons with disabilities to receive the sacraments, like all other members of the church. All liturgical celebrations in the parish should be accessible to them."

An New York City parish organized a fully accessible prayer service for people with disabilities, who even in the church are often forgotten on the margins.

These stories remind us that while the fight for justice is never over, individuals can make a difference, often with the help of their faith.

In a letter published on the website of the Diocese of Malaga, Spain, the pope thanked a teen with an intellectual disability after the 15-year-old traveled more than 60 miles along the famed Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Some students have a difficult time paying attention to a small screen; others struggle with dyslexia or reading disabilities; still others are hypersensitive to noise and things happening around them.

How could he see so clearly the need to respect the vulnerable and then abuse those under his spiritual care?