The headlines suggest that our political systems are incapable of solving big problems. What if we temper our expectations and realize that politics can bring out both the best and worst of humans?

Our consumerist throwaway culture has severe and palpable noneconomic effects, driving the resort to abortion, assisted suicide, and even the way we treat animals in factory farms.

Congress could learn something from the way cardinals elect popes in conclaves.

The corporal works of mercy have long guided Christians in helping those suffering from poverty and oppression. Politics can also be a holy activity if we pursue certain works of mercy.

The notion that the flow of migrants will be stemmed by closing asylum “loopholes” is grotesque. Sometimes it’s hard to believe anyone in Congress sees migrants as human beings.

Some L.G.B.T.Q. people may say this declaration doesn’t go far enough. Others will think it goes too far. Both groups, however, can agree that this is a significant change, Father James Martin writes.