The decision, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, said the administration had "the authority to provide exemptions from the regulatory contraceptive requirements for employers with religious and conscientious objections."

Sister Helen Prejean, a long-time advocate of abolishing the death penalty, has said that the Supreme Court has "abdicated its legal and moral responsibilities" in allowing executions to proceed in various cases.

The court upheld a Montana scholarship program that allows state tax credits for private schooling.

The court's abortion ruling continues 'cruel precedent,' said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities.

The U.S. Supreme Court granted a last-minute stay of execution for Texas death-row inmate Ruben Gutierrez June 16, saying the state prison officials need to reexamine their rule that bans clergy from being with prisoners to the execution chamber.

In a virtual talk, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, urged graduates of her alma mater-the Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Los Angeles-to work to "rebuild" the country in the wake of the protests over George Floyd's death.

The church had argued that California Gov. Gavin Newsom's reopening orders violated the Constitution because they placed fewer restrictions on some secular businesses than they did on houses of worship.

Catholic advocates against the death penalty have assailed the state of Missouri for proceeding with the first execution to occur during the pandemic, despite the efforts to stop it.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reported May 18 that 68% of 600 colleges and universities were planning to reopen with in-person education in the fall, while 10% were waiting to decide. An online format was the choice for 7% of schools.

In April, when many college leaders realized typical graduation ceremonies would not be feasible, they reached out to their school communities with apologies and an acknowledgement the situation was both unusual and very unpredictable.