When the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meets this November to elect a new president, it will be the first time in several decades that the race is wide open.

Just below those top-line figures on religious affiliation, significant changes in national identity also become clear—29 percent of the Northern Irish population now see themselves exclusively as Irish. This is just three points behind the 32 percent who consider themselves British.

Cardinal Pedro Barreto Jimeno, S.J., explained that the now officially recognized body “involves bishops, priests, women and men religious and the lay faithful from the nine countries of the Amazon region.”

As a large voting bloc that is “split down the middle,” Catholics have an outsized role in determining this year’s election results. Will they focus on abortion, the economy or some other political issue?

Reflecting his profound concern at the danger of an escalation of the war in Ukraine and the potential use of nuclear arms, Pope Francis called today for “an immediate ceasefire” to that war.

A Reflection for Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, by Valerie Schultz

“Our position, after 100 days and after having recovered the bodies, is clear: We demand the municipal, state and federal authorities to be aware of their obligations.”

Pope Francis urged athletes in many sports to fight against a throwaway culture that “treats men and women as products, to be used and then discarded.”

The doctrine of atonement has fallen into disfavor in some theological circles and into general neglect in Catholic life. Margaret Turek's new book offers insights about the doctrine's importance.

Archbishop Lori explained that “it is getting progressively harder to do more with less” as the city’s population declines and racism and gentrification have played a role in dramatic population shifts.