Early this morning, the federal government executed Lisa Montgomery, 52, who was convicted in 2007 of the heinous crime of strangling a mother to death and cutting out the baby she had been carrying. The child survived and is being raised by her father. Before the execution, a judge deemed Lisa Montgomery likely mentally ill and unable to understand the punishment she would receive. Last night, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the path for the government to execute her.

We appreciate that Congresswoman Mary Miller has apologized for any harm her words caused by using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history. As the events of the past days have reminded us, words matter. Words from elected officials matter more.

What has been unfolding at the Capitol today should shock the conscience of any patriotic American and any faithful Catholic. The eyes of the world look on in horror as we suffer this national disgrace. For many months we have witnessed the deliberate erosion of the norms of our system of government. Peaceful protest is a sacred right. It has been an essential component of much social progress over the course of human history. But violence is its

Eight people were shot, two of them fatally, Monday in Chicago.

Dear Saint Francis de Sales Parish and School Family, With this letter, I write to share some difficult news about your pastor, Father David Ryan. In keeping with our child protection policies, I have asked Father Ryan to step aside from ministry following receipt by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review of allegations of sexual abuse of minors approximately 25 years ago while he was assigned to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed.

The report issued today is unprecedented and a watershed moment as it pulls back the curtain on a culture of clericalism that has separated the clergy from the people they have been ordained to serve. While the report makes for painful reading, it is fearless in admitting the failures of church leaders. The report is another example of Pope Francis’ commitment to responsibility, accountability and transparency to victim-survivors and all others who have been harmed by the sexual abuse of minors and other misconduct by the clergy and bishops of the Catholic Church.

As we now have the results of the election, it is good to remember that our strength in America lies in our unity. We commend all who had the courage to compete in the electoral process and participate in our democracy.

We join Pope Francis and all people of good will in praying for the victims of this latest attack in a place of worship. Whether such violence occurs in a mosque, synagogue, temple or church, in the United States or elsewhere in the world, it is an attack on everyone who seeks peace and closeness with our Creator.

Dear Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish and School Family, It is with great difficulty that I write to share news about your pastor emeritus, Father Daniel McCarthy. I have asked Father McCarthy to step aside from ministry following receipt this week by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor approximately 50 years ago while he was assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. I have asked that Father McCarthy live away from the parish while the matter is investigated.

“Fratelli tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship” is destined to be a defining document and body of teaching for the pontificate of Pope Francis. With this powerful encyclical letter, addressed to all people of goodwill, the Holy Father again reminds us why he is considered a preeminent moral teacher — and in an extraordinarily critical and fraught moment in human history.