Achieving the goals involves setting policy as well as adopting legislation to limit carbon pollution, which the vast majority of climate scientists have said is the leading cause of a warming planet.

Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S.C.C.B., wished the new president well, but he also condemned the nation’s second Catholic president’s support for abortion rights.

The full context of Augustine’s line is perhaps not as rosy as Joe Biden might have suggested.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed hope the incoming administration "will work with the church and others of goodwill."

Amid the somber ceremonies, perhaps today we can wave goodbye to our starchy past.

If all the nominees the president-elect has chosen are confirmed, the Cabinet will have diverse religious backgrounds. The majority are Catholic, with five Jews, two Black Baptists and two Hindus.