“Lutherans and Catholics are on the way to greater unity," says Martin Marty.

Francis was asked, "Really? Never?" And he responded, "If one carefully reads the declaration of St. John Paul, it goes in that direction, yes."

What can a nation or church do when its leaders mislead? Some political leaders take the “strong man” approach, using violence to win popular support and to distract from domestic problems.

“I love Påven!” said an old Swedish Lutheran.

It is surprising to see Mark Zuckerberg employ a moral defense of free speech.

The quake felled several significant churches including the 14th-century Basilica of St. Benedict in the main square of Norcia.

Apart from restricting life choices among young Catholics, debt also creates new relationship structures within their families based on guilt and co-dependence rather than on love.

The predatory loan industry’s lobby is powerful, and legislation is often gutted of any real power to protect the vulnerable.

"The cradle of civilizations and the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the Middle East has become the theater of incredible brutality," said Archbishop Bernardito Auza.

Today the pulse of American spiritual life is shifting. There is not just one pulse.