When the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution Dec. 15 to establish a worldwide “moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty,” the United States continued its practice of voting against it.

Pope Francis’ revelation that he had signed a letter of resignation in case he became too ill or infirm to continue as pope made headlines around the world.

Father Jeffrey Dauses, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville and St. Thomas More in Baltimore, shares pastoral wisdom for those going through difficult times this Christmas season, including family and relational issues, life uncertainties, times of transition and grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Maryland Catholic Conference issued a statement Dec. 19 indicating support for legislation that would prospectively eliminate statutes of limitation for civil litigation involving cases of child sexual abuse.

More than 600 people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith traditions annually pack the city’s Jesuit church, St. Ignatius, to offer prayers for the city and civic leaders.