At their annual meeting in mid-June, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted overwhelmingly in favor of new protocols to hold themselves accountable for committing sexual abuse themselves and for mishandling accusations of abuse against others. The new protocols encourage lay involvement at every stage of an investigation but stopped short of requiring it. In a survey that was part of our online coverage of the bishops’ meeting, we asked America readers what they thought about the new protocols.

A Spiritual Work of Mercy

Re “The Catholic High School That Holds Funerals for Homeless Veterans,” by Michael Kotsopoulos (5/26): Great article, very well written and a great message both in the article and in what those young men are doing!

Francis in Romania

Re “Pope Francis: Be Wary of Hungary’s Right-Wing Populists,” by Marc Roscoe Loustau (4/29). The visit of Pope Francis to Romania will include very important moments in Transylvania. For ethnic and religious minorities in this region, who often have been at the peripheries and had to struggle for their identity and faith, this is a sign of hope and an incredible gift by the pope, greeted by thankful joy.