Religious congregations in the 19th century had a test for accepting black women: They could join, if they could "pass for white."

“We are certainly not saving the world with these initiatives, we are not solving the problems of the homeless in Rome, but at least we are giving them back a little dignity."

"We are keeping a brave face on it, but the truth is that the very thing that makes the conference possible is disappearing."

"Where Mother pushed the Missionaries of Charity was to the edge, to the most difficult places...all the time, everywhere."

A special prayer was held for France and for the more than 200 people killed by "the blind violence of terrorism" in Islamic extremist attacks over the past year and a half, including a priest whose throat was slit last month.

"Protests are certainly the right of every American, but violence such as looting, burning is never tolerated."