Silent but defiant, Cardinal George Pell made his first court appearance in Australia on Wednesday.

When in Rome, the Gingriches will be able to oil the wheels of diplomacy at the United States’ ambassadorial residence, a spacious house with a large terrace overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens on Janiculum Hill.

Meteorologists say spring 2017 was Italy's third-driest in some 60 years. The drought has put Rome at risk for drastic water rationing, a measure being considered later this week by authorities.

Like the religious authorities of the Sanhedrin criticized by Jesus, some clergy are faithful only to themselves, "rich in devout reverence to the past," wrote Italian biblicist Father Giulio Cirignano.

On issues that have become hallmarks of the Francis papacy, notably care of creation and the global refugee crisis, Mrs. Gingrich had difficulty explaining how she might engage the Vatican, given Mr. Trump’s views.

Pope Francis left a not-so-subtle message outside his office: anyone who is thinking of making a fuss, leave your whining at the door.