Since a new front in America’s ongoing battle against drug smuggling has apparently opened — there have been two additional U.S. attacks on Venezuelan boats, the latest on Sept. 19, and a total of at least 17 related deaths — Catholics may be wondering: Are we at war? And if so, where do such enforcement actions fall on the spectrum of the church’s “just war” criteria?

The noise of this world makes a home in our minds. God’s soft, silent sounds live in our hearts. We all need more silence.

People of faith cannot love God while despising his creatures, and people cannot call themselves Christians without caring for everything fragile and wounded, including the earth, Pope Leo XIV told climate activists and political and religious leaders.

Five years after the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical on fraternal love, and amid a rise in political violence, the leader of the U.S. Catholic bishops is pleading for a rediscovery of — and respect for — a common humanity.

Sharing the joy of being loved by God despite one’s human flaws is the mission of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV said.