Though they weren't present, at least seven U.S. bishops made their views known via statements supporting the July 18 "Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children" near the U.S. Capitol.

“This has been a difficult and contentious week in which darker spirits seem to have been at play in the people’s house,” Father Conroy said. “In your most holy name, I now cast out all spirits of darkness from this chamber, spirits not from you.”

A few hundred Catholic activists, including dozens of women religious, gathered outside at the foot of the U.S. Capitol July 18 urging politicians to stop its "inhumane treatment" of immigrant children at the border.

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia is leading peace and reconciliation efforts while it does what it can to help the millions of people who have fled their homes in an upsurge in communal violence.

Carola Rackete was arrested June 29 for entering the Italian port of Lampedusa, ignoring a block imposed by far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

Pope Francis appointed Matteo Bruni to serve as director of the Vatican press office, replacing Alessandro Gisotti, who had been serving as interim director since Dec. 31.