“The budget of an organization reflects its priorities,” said retired Des Moines, Iowa, Bishop Richard Pates, who previously chaired the international justice and peace committee.

“In today’s world, democracy—let’s be honest—is not in good health,” the pope said on Sunday.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who has publicly stated that he does not recognize the legitimacy of Pope Francis, has been declared excommunicated for schism by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

A Reflection for Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, by Molly Cahill

A Reflection for Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, by Simcha Fisher

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Benedict, abbot, by James T. Keane

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, by Sebastian Gomes

A Reflection for Memorial of St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs, by Kevin Clarke

A Reflection for Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, by Christine Lenahan

Vandalizing another culture's sacred art is not a heroic act. It is an example of resistance to inculturation, part of the process by which the faith has become rooted in disparate cultures throughout history.