(RNS) The “pope of surprises” went eyeglass shopping in downtown Rome, giving passersby the selfie of a lifetime — but telling the shop owner he only wanted new lenses, the old frames are fine. Maybe he needs to sharpen his vision ahead of his U.S. trip?

(RNS) The encounter may spark another round of heated speculation about what it signals about Francis’ intentions – a change in church policy or doctrine? Or nothing more than an act of kindness toward an aging rebel who continues to bless divorced and gay couples and others on the church’s margins?

The Republican presidential candidate and retired neurosurgeon acknowledges that he did research using tissue from aborted fetuses. He says that’s OK, but anti-abortion ethicists disagree.

(RNS) The release of a series of undercover Planned Parenthood videos has sparked a return to the anti-abortion strategy of using graphic language and images rather than gentler persuasion. But will it work?

WASHINGTON (RNS) How will U.S. political leaders welcome Pope Francis when he makes his first visit to the U.S., and the nation’s capital? Part of the answer may have emerged when House Speaker John Boehner and Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared on “Face the Nation” earlier this month.

Are Americans ready for a nuanced view of the Spanish missionary’s history in California — and his sanctity — when Pope Francis arrives in the U.S. with the canonization of Serra on his agenda? The pontiff’s remarks in Bolivia this week may provide an advance look at his rationale

“I know that there is development in interpretation of events and of doctrine,” the late archbishop of Chicago wrote to a former confrere who left the priesthood to marry another man.

Father Jim Martin lamented that “no issue brings out so much hatred from so many Catholics as homosexuality.” Then the digital mob proved him right.

NEW YORK (RNS) American Christians know so little about their fellow believers in the region, or even that such Christians exist, that Middle East church leaders like Aleppo Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart face an uphill battle.

The U.S. church not only marks the passing of Cardinal Francis George this week, but also the 80th birthday of Cardinal Justin Rigali — which means American representation in the College of Cardinals is significantly diminished, and at risk of declining further if Francis doesn’t act.