"Yesterday, our community experienced an act of pure evil at the local Planned Parenthood clinic," Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs said in a statement. "As Pope Francis recently reminded us, 'The path of violence and hate can never solve the problems of humanity.'"

From Seoul, South Korea, to Ottawa, Ontario; New York to Sao Paulo, people marched to demand a response to climate change. Interfaith leaders gathered in Saint-Denis, France, Nov. 28 to hand over a petition with more than 1.8 million signatures—800,000 collected by Catholic organizations.

"These refugees are fleeing terror themselves—violence like we have witnessed in Paris," said Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the migration committee. "They are extremely vulnerable families, women, and children who are fleeing for their lives. We cannot and should not blame them for the actions of a terrorist organization."

"The world has changed, it's now more complex and its violence is more concrete. What will be Canada's involvement in that new reality?"

Ukrainian religious leaders issued an appeal to President Barack Obama "on behalf of our people to help address the humanitarian catastrophe gripping our country. The needs are enormous, ranging from medical supplies to everyday items such as food, water, and clothing."

Obama's executive action expands a 2012 program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and creates the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents.

The church must become "a proactive agent for racial justice" if it is to "remain viable and relevant in the 21st century."

The plan calls for $21 million to be paid to 355 abuse survivors.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops called on Kenyans to prepare for Pope Francis' first visit to Africa at the end of November by embracing peace and co-existence and with prayer. They also invited people to turn out to welcome the pontiff during his Nov. 25-27 visit to the East Africa nat

Kenya is the pope's first stop on a three-nation visit to the continent later this month.