President Donald Trump said Oct. 31 he would place Nigeria on a religious freedom watch list in response to violence in that country perpetuated against predominantly Christian communities — and subsequently threatened military action if that country’s government didn’t “move fast” to respond.

On Nov. 2, the feast of All Souls, Catholics in Chicago joined in commemorating the great Irish famine that left more than 1 million people dead and began the mass exodus of Irish refugees and migrants seeking a better life to the United States and other countries 180 years ago.

In his first exhortation, “Dilexi Te” (“I Have Loved You”), Pope Leo XIV wrote movingly of Christ’s love for the poor and of our calling as Catholics also to love and serve the poor. His exhortation hit home personally.

Nestled in the serene hills of Westchester County, N.Y., lies a sanctuary of compassion: Rosary Hill Home. Operated by the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, this haven offers free palliative care to patients afflicted with incurable cancer.

Catholics are stepping up cooperation with other Christian denominations in the face of current worldwide challenges, according to church delegates at a major ecumenical conference in Egypt marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.