Three days before the National Eucharistic Congress’ opening night, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn.a, assured Catholics preparing to attend the congress of the event’s safety, following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign rally that resulted in the death of one spectator and injuries to others.

In an Oval Office Address the evening after his election rival Donald Trump survived what law enforcement called an assassination attempt, President Joe Biden condemned political violence and urged Americans to “lower the temperature in our politics.”

Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh commended Corey Comperatore, the husband and father killed at the July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pa., for his “strength of character, deep faith and dedication to serving others.”

A relic of St. Mary Magdalene was stolen from the Cathedral of the Madeleine on the morning of July 10. The theft was discovered about 7 a.m. when one of the cathedral staff found the broken reliquary on the floor beneath the crucifix.

More than 2 billion people in over 50 countries were set to go to the polls in 2024, according to the Center for American Progress, but Pope Francis has said he is worried that people are more disconnected than ever from the governments that are meant to provide for their well-being.