Catholic leaders in Illinois are hailing the state’s newly enacted ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and switches.

To understand the Gospel, its beauty and its power, people need to read it, Pope Francis said.

While the drama-and-comedy blend “A Man Called Otto” (Sony) proves generally goodhearted, it also turns out to be formulaic.

Maryland Catholic Conference Executive Director Jenny Kraska noted that – even with a new governor and new legislators – many of the same topics the church addresses perennially will be on the legislative agenda in 2023.

Catholics see hope that bipartisanship in Congress may save a valuable tool in the fight against poverty and even abortion.