"I did not want to shy away when an opportunity came my way to do my share as a woman because I believe that women can and should contribute in every sphere of life."

The Vatican will host a first-of-its-kind conference next week to re-examine the Catholic church's long-held teachings on just war theory, bringing some 80 experts engaged in global nonviolent struggles to Rome with the aim of developing a new moral framework that rejects ethical justifications for war.

GSR Today - "There's no issue that I've started to write about that sisters haven't been involved in," GSR staff writer Dawn Araujo-Hawkins says. Their pervasiveness has changed the way she approaches potential stories.

The United States isn't jailing hardened criminals; it's jailing "the least of these." It's jailing people who've committed nonviolent offenses, and many of these offenses stem from poverty, drug addictions and mental illness. Part two of a four-part series examining mass incarceration in the United States.

"The sick were very dear to the heart of Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we follow in his footsteps to continue this healing ministry. We also put a special emphasis on treating people with dignity. We want to give that respect to each patient."

"Why do we expect change to happen rapidly? We don’t really know the outcomes. May we have the snail’s patience."

Thirty Catholic organizations and institutes, including three women religious orders, filed a joint amicus brief with other faith groups in support of the Clean Power Plan, the basis of the U.S. commitment to an international pact to address climate change.

Speaking of God - The results of the recent U.S. presidential primaries are not only startling, but a wake-up call to the reality that our political system no longer works.

This week, Global Sisters Report has focused on the prison system in the U.S. and the issues. Today, we republish Part 1 of the series, which focuses on mass incarceration and the racism behind it. The package of stories, photos and graphics includes links to the three other parts, which focus on sisters who minister to inmates, help with release programs and advocate for change.