The conflict in Syria is a proxy war, not between the United States and Russia, as some American commentators have suggested, but between the two major powers vying for regional hegemony.

Civic engagement is not limited to voting.

It is clear that the president either has not yet read "Laudato Si'", or he simply disagrees with what the pontiff said.

Even though it is no longer a surprise, Pope Francis still makes news with his direct pastoral ministry, as he did in May, going door-to-door to bless homes in a public housing complex in the Roman suburbs.

The U.S. bishops have raised some serious concerns about what this proposal says about our national values.

How are church leaders and Vatican watchers responding to the highly anticipated visit?