The example of St. Francis has prompted a New Mexico retreat center to open its doors to refugees, but also to go out in the world to work for justice.

Catholic groups have collected and are distributing aid for thousands of people affected by a deadly earthquake that struck Lombok, Indonesia's popular tourist island.

During the Saturday evening Mass when Father Looney heard the opening lines of the first reading from Jeremiah, the priest switched gears, deciding he had to say something about sexual abuse allegations against now former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington.

In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Santiago July 24, Cardinal Ezzati said he was committed to helping victims "search for the truth" and denied any wrongdoing.

"These alleged actions, when committed by any person, are morally unacceptable and incompatible with the role of a priest, bishop or cardinal," Cardinal O'Malley said.

The Catholic Church in Nicaragua has faced numerous violent attacks from pro-government groups.