The theme of division in the church and in society has been frequently invoked during the bishops’ deliberations this week.

Cardinal Parolin’s visit comes at a time when internal divisions among U.S. Catholics have become public.

Much of the business appears to be routine, though the bishops as a body have been vocal in recent months about a range of political and social issues, as well as internal church politics, that are sure to come up during the meeting.

The bishops said the tax proposal “appears to be the first federal income tax modification in American history that will raise income taxes on the working poor while simultaneously providing a large tax cut to the wealthy."

There are signs that at least among some U.S. Catholic bishops, statements of grief and sorrow are being backed up with pledges to push for legislative action on guns.

Mr. Colbert’s words called to mind Pope Francis’ critique of the arms industry.

The governor used his visit to Rome to say that the world is facing bigger challenges in addressing climate change than one president.

At least 20 people were killed in a Texas church on Sunday.

In its tax overhaul, GOP includes a repeal of a rule that limits the political speech of churches in exchange for tax-exemption.

Church officials in Chicago say that revelations regarding other fraudulent cases could be forthcoming, a prospect that both the archdiocese and victim advocates say will be a disservice to genuine victims.