As France begins a national debate on euthanasia, Pope Francis urged politicians from the country’s northern region to reject the “throwaway culture” and instead focus on providing care and relief to those nearing the end of their lives.

A Ukrainian bishop has warned of a humanitarian disaster caused by Russian attacks on his country’s power and water supplies and predicted a “huge new wave of refugees” desperate to survive winter.

While the mostly agreeable comedy “Ticket to Paradise” won’t necessarily transport viewers to cinematic heaven, it will take them to a good place, both visually and thematically. Set in Indonesia, the film showcases enchanting island landscapes as well as ethical ideas generally in keeping with Gospel-based morality.

Every year, for more than three decades, the Vatican tribunal dealing with matters of conscience has offered a course to help priests in their “ministry of mercy” as confessors.

After creating an interfaith choir to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at the Vatican in 2018, the Together in Hope Project choir has a new choral project that explores major faiths’ traditions of welcoming the refugee, immigrant and outcast.