With Catholic social teaching falling neither purely red nor purely blue, American Catholics often find themselves in the pews with folks of varying political opinions.

A new civilization rooted in human dignity and capable of overcoming division is needed to ensure the peace, stability and prosperity of all people, speakers said at a Vatican conference on promoting peace.

University students today need an education that not only prepares them for a career but helps them face personal challenges and learn how to contribute to the good of their communities, Pope Francis said.

A funeral Mass was held May 1 for Brother James P. Eckert, who died April 27 of cancer of the esophagus. Brother James, who also went by Brother Campion, taught for more than 20 years and ministered to the impoverished in Western Maryland.

Blind, unbridled consumerism and selfishness — not the number of people on the planet and having children — are the root causes of the world’s problems, Pope Francis said.