Jens Manuel Krogstad of the Pew Research Center, in his work studying Latino demographics and politics, noted that Latinos do not identify as strongly with either the Democratic or Republican parties as do other Americans.

A bill on same-sex marriage advancing in the Senate is “a bad deal for the many courageous Americans of faith and no faith who continue to believe and uphold the truth about marriage in the public square today,” said New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.

With several of his cousins and their children and grandchildren present, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Asti cathedral, giving a nod to his family roots and drawing people’s attention to the root of Christian faith: the cross of Jesus.

May this season of gatherings offer us opportunities to open our arms and hearts to others – and to be ready to entertain angels along the way.

Two days after Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh filed a motion in court to allow release of a report on sexual abuse by clergy in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop William E. Lori addressed the topic in his homily at the vigil Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.