In a 6-3 decision June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its nearly 50-year-old decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in this country.

The dark bronze sculpture seems to shimmer in contrast to the stark white stucco walls and the sharp black granite adjacent to the Chapel of St. Basil at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

The nation's Catholic bishops have made progress in regaining the trust of the laity since approving a groundbreaking document in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis two decades ago, but for Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory "the task is not complete."

Donations to the annual Peter's Pence collection, which supports the work of the Roman Curia and funds the charitable activity of the pope, held steady in 2021, but the total still was significantly lower than in 2018, the Vatican said.

New York Ukrainian Catholics and other worshippers found community and solace June 11 at St. Patrick's Cathedral where Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop Borys Gudziak, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, led an evening memorial prayer service for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

The bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, invited Catholics June 13 "to pray for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, their families and all those who accompany survivors in the path toward healing, that they experience Christ's profound love for them and God’s healing grace."

Sitting in a wheelchair in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis allowed himself to be grilled by a group of youngsters, including one who asked when he would go to Ukraine "to save all the children who are suffering there."

The Holy Spirit shows everyone where to begin, what paths to take and how to walk the great journey of life, Pope Francis said.

The following books are suitable for summer reading.

The psychological thriller "Dark Winds" comes backed by some celebrated names. Author George R.R. Martin of "Game of Thrones" fame, as well as legendary actor Robert Redford are listed among its executive producers.