NATION/WORLD

Popes pray for peace; it is part of their ministry. And when war is raging or peace negotiations seem hopelessly bogged down, recent popes have invited leaders of other Christian traditions and other faiths to join them in prayer.

For Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, the third annual Fortnight for Freedom is an opportunity to consider the link between religious liberty and service to the poor.

The gift of piety that the Holy Spirit gives us makes us meek; it makes us peaceful, patient and at peace with God in gentle service to others," Pope Francis said in his weekly general audience. He was continuing a series of audience talks about the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its Catholic Charities affiliates sued three agencies of the U.S. federal government June 2 seeking relief from the federal mandate that most employers cover contraceptives in their employee health plans.

Jesuit Refugee Service's country director in Afghanistan — a priest from India — was kidnapped June 2 as he was leaving a school serving children who were recently returned to Afghanistan after living as refugees in Iran or Pakistan.

U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., has introduced the Every Child Is a Blessing Act to combat "wrongful birth" lawsuits and prevent discrimination against children born with disabilities.

Although Christ ascended into heaven, he remains present in a new form through the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in order to accompany and guide people in their daily lives, Pope Francis said.

Although the feast of Pentecost, celebrated June 8, doesn't look as it did in the apostles' time — with the roar of wind and tongues of fire — Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl said it serves as a reminder of the outpouring of God's spirit long ago and continuously.

A "globalization of indifference" has taken hold of too many of the world's people, numbing them to the horrifying reality faced by the people of Syria and other innocent victims of war and violence around the world, Pope Francis said.

Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample confirmed one of Oregon's most infamous prisoners May 28 in a heavily guarded private ceremony in the maximum security prison in Salem.