Congress

In a nearly hourlong speech, Pope Francis called for action on climate change, encouraged empathy for immigrants and advocated for the poor. He also said he supports abolishing the death penalty.

There are more Catholic Republicans than ever running for president, but not all have embraced Pope Francis' more liberal statements and theology.

The popular pope has challenged U.S. political orthodoxy — on both sides of the aisle.

While Planned Parenthood weathers attacks and a potential government shutdown looms, Americans are deeply ambivalent on abortion.

Because of Pope Francis' more progressive views on climate change, Rep. Paul Gosar, a Catholic Republican from Arizona, is boycotting the pope's address to Congress. He's facing pushback for it.

There are rumblings that conservatives want John Boehner ousted as House speaker for what they see as a lack of fight. But GOP leaders look ready to turn the tables on the insurgents.

Congress has until Sept. 30 to pass a measure to keep the government funded. If no agreement is reached, federal agencies could be shuttered again — the second time in three years.

As federal lawmakers return to work, they faces tough choices about the budget, worrying advocates for medical research, teen pregnancy prevention and other health initiatives.

President Obama may have secured enough votes to keep his Iran deal intact, but potential problems loom for Congress on the debt ceiling, highway funding and a possible government shutdown.