From the Old Testament to Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si’,” Catholicism has recognized and treasured mankind’s intimate relationship with the earth and all the life that calls it home.

The pope’s coming “will be a message of hope,” Cardinal D’Rozario said.

"Alta," which means "higher" in Spanish, and "Baja" California, or "lower," were once one territory. In the 19th century, the vast area was governed first by Spain and then by Mexico.

Participants at the recent plenary assembly approved a petition requesting the pope to waive the “monitum” issued by the Holy Office in 1962.

“What we need to do is just continue to live out the challenge of ‘Laudato Si’,’ which is to examine our relationship with the earth, with God and with each other to see how we can become better stewards of this gift of the earth.”

Pope Francis condemned not only the threat of nuclear weapons but also “their very possession” in a landmark statement on Nov. 10.

The governor used his visit to Rome to say that the world is facing bigger challenges in addressing climate change than one president.

The voters I spoke with were not single-issue voters, and they showed a comfort with, even insistence on, complexity around a range of issues that are part of our national conversation.

23 senators voted against Ms. Gingrich’s confirmation, a departure from previous nominations that faced little opposition.

Pope Francis announces that there will be a Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian region in 2019.