As of Dec. 6, the death toll was 36 and officials said that no additional bodies have been recovered.

"Despite all divergences, we believe a political compromise is still possible," the bishops said in a Dec. 2 statement.

"So many families are wondering how changes to immigration policy might impact them," said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles.

Pax Christi's leadership is concerned that Israel's actions violate international law and must stop.

"The Catholic community of east Tennessee continues to pray for those who have been affected by the terrible wildfires in Gatlinburg and other communities across the region," Bishop Richard F. Stika said.

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski remembered the former leader of Cuba and prayed for peace.

The dignity of human life, the common good and solidarity are "more than mere words and phrases," said the Catholic bishops of Washington state in a joint pastoral letter

In 14 points, the bishops ask forgiveness for the role that some members of the Catholic Church played during the genocide, especially for the pastors that "sowed seeds of hate."

"The act of prescribing a fatal, poisonous dose, moreover, undermines the very heart of medicine."

"We were concerned about the levels of intolerance, of attitudes hardening, of attitudes of exclusion."