As the U.S. bishops were beginning their fall assembly in Baltimore, also marking their 100th anniversary as a conference, a couple of nonviolent protesters gathered nearby.

Pope Francis condemned not only the threat of nuclear weapons but also “their very possession” in a landmark statement on Nov. 10.

Catholic leaders in Lebanon urged the international community to stop wars and bring peace to the Middle East.

"International relations cannot be held captive to military force, mutual intimidation and the parading of stockpiles of arms," Pope Francis said.

A Vatican conference represents the beginning of a coordination of Catholic universities, institutions and bishops's conferences on this issue.

In Iraq, I witnessed death and tragedy, and without faith, I had no way to process it.