As the world braced for Iran to retaliate for the assassination of a Hamas leader who was staying in the Iranian capital, the Vatican secretary of state pleaded with Iran’s new president not to escalate the Middle East conflict.

This week the Vatican’s Academy for Life issued a new text on a series of bioethical issues, including the provision of food and hydration for patients in a vegetative state, which marks a modest departure from the Vatican’s previously held position on the issue.

Praising the 2.1 million members of the Knights of Columbus for their faith, charity and defense of life, Pope Francis asked them to continue to pray and work for peace.

Pope Francis has called for both sides to “seek the truth” in Venezuela’s contested election as the opposition denounces electoral fraud — publishing tally sheets as proof — while the ruling Chavista regime refuses to release the full information on the vote and cracks down on demonstrations.

The square in front of Notre Dame Cathedral was bathed in sunshine Aug. 4 as representatives of the five major religions involved in the Paris Olympic Games met.

As fears of a widening war in the Middle East grew again in early August, Pope Francis pleaded with the region’s leaders to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.

More than a week after the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, the Vatican joined people who complained that a segment of the show featuring drag performers offended Christians.

Even if the spotlight is now on sports stadiums during the Summer Olympic Games, a Notre Dame Cathedral guide with four decades of experience recommended it’s the majesty of the cathedral one should turn to in the midst of the Games’ craze in Paris.

While bishops around the world are asked to designate their cathedrals or other significant churches as special places of pilgrimage and prayer for the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican is not asking them to dedicate and open a “Holy Door” at those churches.