The Good Friday march in Chicago included re-enactments of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, along with a call to action to prevent gun violence.

Catholic leaders say they support abolishing time limits for criminal prosecution and expanding background checks for people who work with children. But they also point to an existing law that protects public institutions from “look back” lawsuits and say that it creates a double standard.

“It is clear that what matters to Pope Francis is the transformation of individuals and communities through their attentive and communal participation in the sacramental mysteries."

Catholic Social Services refuses to place foster children in homes headed by same-sex couples; the city of Philadelphia says this policy violates a nondiscrimination law.

While the vast majority of Vermont students are eligible for the vouchers, which pay the full cost of up to two college classes, students who attend religious and other private schools are not.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, 84 percent of U.S. Catholics hold a “favorable” view of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Kasper rejected claims from some Catholics who accuse Pope Francis of undermining church teaching on marriage.

“The rule to follow in all cases,” the reflection says of family ministry, “is the love and mercy of the Lord.”

“The youth of our nation are shaming the adult world into action.”

By adopting an attitude free of judging others, the pope argues, the world will be a more peaceful place.