The Knights of Columbus also has earmarked money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico.

The pope spoke Dec. 16 with members of the Italian Periodical Press Union and members of the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies, which represents nearly 200 Catholic newspapers.

Part of the church's role can't help but stem from lessons learned in the abuse crisis.

The open letter was signed by 20 Catholic bishops along with Lutheran, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, Muslim, Orthodox and other Christian leaders.

The lawsuits aim to take away the exemption granted in October to the Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious employers allowing them to refuse to cover contraceptives for their employees on moral grounds.

Making ancient Scripture sensible in contemporary languages will always prove a hazard-heavy challenge.