In his annual Christmas address to cardinals and bishops who work at the Vatican, Pope Francis said the real division in the church since Vatican II is “between lovers and those who have lost that initial passion.”

This week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration in the state, funding more border security initiatives and making illegal border crossings a state crime.

The notion that the flow of migrants will be stemmed by closing asylum “loopholes” is grotesque. Sometimes it’s hard to believe anyone in Congress sees migrants as human beings.

A Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, by Father Terrance Klein

Some Catholics see the Vatican declaration as a step forward for L.G.B.T. people in the church. Others are worried about the possibility of schism.

Looking back on 60 years of priesthood, the author notes the importance of the cross, the Eucharist, faith and grace in giving people meaning, purpose and hope in life.

Bishop Enrique Díaz Díaz of Irapuato, Mexico urged people not to be indifferent after the massacre of a dozen young people at a Christmas party.

“This is an early Christmas present for the Catholic Church and for so many people who have felt that God really isn’t accompanying them,” Father James Martin says on this episode of ‘Inside the Vatican.’

Some L.G.B.T.Q. people may say this declaration doesn’t go far enough. Others will think it goes too far. Both groups, however, can agree that this is a significant change, Father James Martin writes.

“After this war, I fear there will be no more Christians in Gaza after a continuous presence of more than 18 centuries,” Bishop William Shomali said in an exclusive interview.