In 2019, high court’s docket runs gamut of high-profile issues

2019 was a busy year for the U.S. Supreme Court.In its new term, which began in October, the justices examined the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gun ownership restrictions and, as it does most terms, the death penalty.

People take part in a candlelit vigil outside the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville during a scheduled execution Dec. 16, 2016. Catholic advocates applauded the Supreme Court for a ruling late Dec. 6, 2019, that leaves in place a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration's bid to resume federal executions. (CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald)

Supreme Court leaves temporary stop on federal executions in place

The U.S. Supreme Court has left in place a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Trump administration from carrying out the first federal executions in 16 years.

Catholic News Service

An attendee eats breakfast during the 2018 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Advocates for poor people decried a new federal rule tightening work requirements that determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under the changes, taking effect April 1, hundreds of thousands are expected to lose food stamps. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)

Advocates for poor expect new SNAP rule will boost hunger nationwide

Catholic advocates for poor people decried a new federal rule that tightens work requirements which determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is expected to force hundreds of thousands to lose food stamps.

Catholic News Service

Luke Goodrich, an attorney who represents the Little Sisters of the Poor in their lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over the contraceptive mandate, has written a book, "Free To Believe," about the importance of religious liberty. He is pictured in an undated photo. (CNS photo/Becket - Religious Liberty for All) See BECKET-GOODRICH Dec. 5, 2019.

Religious freedom is a basic human right, says lawyer for Little Sisters

As an attorney with Becket, a religious liberty law firm, Luke Goodrich is proud to be able to make a difference while earning a livelihood. He sees his work as a calling from God.

Catholic News Service

The Christmas tree sparkles after a lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 5, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See POPE-CHRISTMAS-VATICAN Dec. 5, 2019.

Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree

The Vatican unveiled the Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree with energy-saving lights in St. Peter's Square during a late afternoon ceremony Dec. 5.

Catholic News Service

Pope Francis gestures before speaking about the death penalty at an encounter marking the 25th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church at the Vatican Oct. 11. The death penalty is "contrary to the Gospel" the pope said in his speech. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See VATICAN-LETTER-YEAR-IN-REVIEW Dec. 7, 2017.

Pope demands action for failing fight against climate change

Despite growing recognition of climate change as a legitimate and looming threat, current commitments to mitigate its effects and alter human behavior fall short of those needed to resolve the crisis in time, Pope Francis said.

Catholic News Service

Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo gives the homily as he concelebrates Mass with other U.S. bishops from the state of New York at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Nov. 12, 2019. Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Malone and named Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger of Albany, N.Y., as Buffalo's apostolic administrator. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See MALONE-RESIGN Dec. 4, 2019.

Bishop Malone resigns; Albany bishop named apostolic administrator

Buffalo Bishop Richard J. Malone told Catholics Dec. 4 he asked Pope Francis to allow him to retire early so the people of the diocese "will be better served" by a new bishop.

Catholic News Service

Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 4, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See POPE-AUDIENCE-MAGIC Dec. 4, 2019.

Trust in Christ, not in psychics, sorcerers, pope says at audience

Pope Francis scolded people who consider themselves practicing Christians, but who turn to fortunetelling, psychic readings and tarot cards.

Catholic News Service

Jennifer Kostyrka of Lynbrook, N.Y., presses rosary beads against the tomb of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in the crypt of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York Dec. 9, 2009. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, Ill., announced June 27, 2019, that the remains of Archbishop Sheen, a candidate for sainthood, were being transferred from St. Patrick's Cathedral to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) (Dec. 10, 2009) See PEORIA-SHEEN-TRANSFERRED June 27, 2019.

Beatification for Archbishop Sheen postponed

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria said Vatican officials have told him that the upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been postponed.