While diplomats and advocates weigh in on the crisis, Catholic Relief Services in Bangladesh, supporting the local Caritas office, is responding with humanitarian assistance, delivering food and critical survival supplies to thousands of Rohingya families.

The call came just before the U.S. and South Korea opened a massive joint military air exercise Dec. 4.

The pope’s comments on nuclear weapons are seen as a significant change from John Paul II’s reluctant acceptance of them for their deterrent value.

In the past, Francis has strongly condemned the "persecution of our Rohingya brothers," denounced their suffering because of their faith and called for them to receive "full rights."

Many readers also pointed out that in comparison with other foreign policy issues, climate change’s consequences are the broadest and have the most impact.