“Because of your calls, emails and efforts, physician-assisted suicide will not be legalized in Maryland this year,” the Maryland Catholic Conference told the state’s Catholics in a message posted on its website March 28. 

Given how the video of his refusing to extend his hand for his ring to be kissed by the faithful went viral on social media, Pope Francis gave a simple explanation: hygiene--he doesn 't want people to get ill from possible spreading of germs.

"Now, there's been a change, a conversion to try to learn from indigenous communities about how to live in harmony with others and with a transcendent being. It's important for us to learn from those who have lived there."

For now, the Justice Department's letter won't change anything for those insured through the ACA, but the issue will likely gain political attention as it works its way through the courts.

A Jesuit from the Zimbabwe-Mozambique province has said that the recent cyclone that hit Africa has "wiped out entire villages"; 2 million people have been affected and more than 700 people have been killed by the storm.

The state of Mississippi has become the latest state to enact a "heartbeat bill" which would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat has been detected. Gov. Phil Bryant signed the bill on March 21, admitting that he did so, "even under threat of legal action" by those who opposed the measure.