We say: Long overdue in the American church is a reasoned and deep discussion of U.S. militarism, the proper use of force, and the role of people of faith.

Comparing notes from recent Vatican statements, it is hard to decipher whether the Vatican's call for consultation is unprecedented or something that's happened for decades.

In a case that could determine restrictions on expressions of faith in the public square, the Supreme Court on Wednesday will consider religious prayers that convene government meetings.

A mortar round hit the apostolic nunciature in the Syrian capital, causing limited damage to the building and no causalities because of the early hour of the strike.

"The Holy Father should not have received that individual," said Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, who served as personal secretary to the pope for 39 years.