By any measure, Louis Anthony “Lou” Conter, a Catholic hero of World War II who died April 1 at his home in Grass Valley, Calif., at age 102, led a celebrated life.

Peace can spread and grow from “small seeds” like including someone who is left out of an activity, showing concern for someone who is struggling, picking up some litter and praying for God’s help, Pope Francis told Italian schoolchildren.

Republican lawmakers in Arizona’s Legislature chose different responses to the question of whether to repeal the state’s 1864 law banning abortion April 17. Some Republicans in the state Senate allowed that chamber to proceed to a repeal vote, while Republicans in the state House blocked a comparable effort.

Planned Parenthood’s latest annual report shows an increase in abortions from the previous year, while also showing a decrease in health services.

This humorous spin on the genre features a clever premise and often witty dialogue. Yet any amusement to be derived from it is drowned in a flood of needless bloodletting.