I was raised Catholic. I know the strategy. The first-class seats are at the end of the pew.

To the consternation of humanitarian, health and civic activists, the budget proposal includes deep cuts or restructuring of international aid and social service programs.

As same-sex marriage becomes more mainstream, the church holds the line on L.G.B.T. issues.

Some of the poorest parts of the island remain cut off from the transportation and energy infrastructure.

Pope Francis has encouraged church leaders to accept “a healthy dose of self-criticism.”