United States

Pope warns US/Iran tensions could trigger ‘vaster conflict’
- Jan 9, 2020
In his annual speech to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis again voiced concern for escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, urging both parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid a vast, regional conflict.

By Elise Harris
After Soleimani assassination, Pope warns war ‘brings only death and destruction’
- Jan 5, 2020
Days after the assassination of influential Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States, Pope Francis issued an appeal for peace and calm amid what he said is an “air of tension” felt in many places throughout the world.

By Elise Harris
Forget the Swiss — How about the Vatican to broker US/Iran relations?
- Jan 5, 2020
As counterintuitive as it may seem, there’s a case to be made that the Vatican might be a good choice to broker conversation between the U.S. and Iran to try to head off a regional conflagration.

By John L. Allen Jr.

In latest sign of stress on bishops, Nebraska prelate takes leave of absence
- Dec 14, 2019
After what has been a tumultuous and at times deadly 18 months for Catholic shepherds in the United States, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln issued a moving letter Friday saying he will take a temporary leave of absence to deal with mental health struggles.

By Elise Harris
Baltimore prelate calls narrative of tension between US bishops, pope bogus
- Dec 6, 2019
“There’s the narrative that we bishops are just on the verge of schism with one another but, surprise, surprise, we are not,” Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore told Crux.

By Inés San Martín
At Vatican, Pompeo says authoritarian regimes see God as a threat
- Oct 2, 2019
At the Vatican on Wednesday, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced authoritarian regimes and autocrats, naming Cuba, Iran, China and Syria as the roots of religious repression, because they fail to acknowledge a power higher than their own.

By Inés San Martín