These were the first such suicide bombings since June 2019 and came on the eve of the pope’s planned visit to the country on March 5-8, a visit that now is under serious question.

Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S.C.C.B., wished the new president well, but he also condemned the nation’s second Catholic president’s support for abortion rights.

Pope Francis' remarks from his general audience on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

In a message to the second Catholic president, Pope Francis prayed that Joe Biden would work to heal the divisions in U.S. society and promote human dignity and peace around the globe.

The Vatican on Monday abruptly abandoned its extradition request for an Italian woman wanted on embezzlement-related charges. The case would have tested whether Italy considers the Vatican a place where someone can get a fair trial.

With “social injustice, division and conflict” threatening the common good, people need to rediscover and recommit to the vision of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Pope Francis said.