Governors and other politicians are not responding reasonably by calling for a “pause,” even the termination of efforts to resettle Syrian refugees.

The pope’s upcoming visit to East Africa nations Kenya and Uganda and the Central African Republic will be a source of great spiritual sustenance to the people of the region.

"That you have referenced poverty not once but twice in the document represents a significant and positive shift in our plans and priorities."

Bishop McElroy questioned the lack of attention to the areas of concern that Pope Francis has made the keystones of his pontificate.

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich asked why the conference’s long-standing support of comprehensive immigration reform was not specifically mentioned in the 2017-20 strategic plan. He also mentioned that the emphasis by Pope Francis on a global abolition of the death penalty, also long supported by the conference, likewise was lacking as a specific priority.

The U.S. bishops will vote tomorrow on whether or not to approve new additions to its quadrennial “Faithful Citizenship’ statement, refreshed this year to take into consideration some contemporary concerns and some of the new issues that Pope Francis has been bringing to the attention of the global church.

“We understand that there is going to be some concern and vetting” of refugees seeking protection and resettlement in the United States to make sure they have the “proper intent,” but “we are going to be ready to receive them.”

Religious liberty and Catholic identity are early topics of U.S. bishops' meeting in Baltimore

In the aftermath of the attacks in Paris, which at press time had claimed 132 lives and left hundreds more wounded, President François Hollande vowed to “be unforgiving with the barbarians from Daesh.” By Nov. 15 France had begun bombing raids on the ersatz capital of ISIS, Raqqa in Syr

“I am close to the people of France, to the families of the victims, and I am praying for all of them,” Pope Francis said.