"I am spiritually close to the victims of the episodes of violence that these days have bloodied Texas, California and Ohio, in the United States, affecting defenseless people," Pope Francis said.

The Catholic dioceses of El Paso, Texas, and neighboring Las Cruces, New Mexico, have joined in prayer after an August 3 mass shooting in a mall left several dead and many injured.

The photo of the nearly 2-year-old Valeria clinging to her father, Oscar Martinez Ramirez, 25, lifeless on the banks of the Rio Grande, is "evidence of the painful drama of migration," said a statement issued by the Salvadoran bishops' conference.

The Office of the West Virginia Attorney said sanctions issued by Pope Francis against Bishop Michael J. Bransfield are a "first step" but demanded further disclosure of the investigation.

Though they weren't present, at least seven U.S. bishops made their views known via statements supporting the July 18 "Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children" near the U.S. Capitol.

An exhibit on Chinese empresses featured a rare display by two Jesuit missionaries whose artwork was in the past largely seen only by royalty and high government officials.

Participants, who lobbied U.S. lawmakers after the conference for tougher legislation to combat the problem, learned about its complexities and its global dimensions.

"There are supposed to be exceptions that are not being respected," said Bishop Seitz, who spoke with immigration officials about allowing the family to enter.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz walked and prayed with a group of migrants at the Lerdo International Bridge in El Paso as they sought asylum in the U.S. but were turned away.

Immigration policies rolled out during the Trump administration have spread fear among immigrant populations in the U.S., but Catholic organizations and parishes have responded with renewed efforts focused on helping those groups, a new survey says.