In their "ad limina" visit with the pope, the bishops from Ohio and Michigan discussed a wide variety of topics, including the sex abuse crisis and how that impacts the work of priests.

The day after introducing Pope Francis’ address to Congress in 2015, John Boehner stepped down as House speaker. America editor Matt Malone, S.J., talks to Mr. Boehner about the state of U.S. politics, then and now.

Worsening economic prospects are related to a decline in church attendance by the white working class, writes an associate pastor from St. Louis. Too often they leave church feeling judged and unwanted.

Jon Hassler championed "America’s often struggling middle class” with his rigorous moral vision in his novels.

This spring’s floods devastated farming and rural communities in the middle of the U.S. that were already struggling with economic and social decline, writes Nathan Beacom. But ”blue” America may find it difficult to sympathize.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City expressed gratitude that lives were spared and that all residents of the Missouri capital are accounted for following a devastating tornado.