(RNS) As Congress embarks on high-stakes budget negotiations to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are urging elected officials not to target programs for the poor and instead raise taxes and reduce defense spending. By David Gibson

(RNS) When Joe Biden and Paul Ryan face off in the vice-presidential debate on Thursday, it will mark the first showdown of its kind between Catholics on the major party tickets. By Daniel Burke and David Gibson.

(RNS) A series of recent developments are renewing concerns that the Catholic bishops are tilting toward the Republican Party, with much of the attention focusing on comments by a leading prelate, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, who said he “certainly can’t vote for somebody who’s either pro-choice or pro-abortion.” By David Gibson.

(RNS) Paul Ryan has been taking a lot of heat over the factual accuracy of claims he made in his prime time address at the Republican convention last week, but Wednesday night at the Democratic confab the GOP vice-presidential candidate – and practicing Catholic – was schooled by a popular nun on the moral shortcomings of his budget proposals.

(RNS) A new study finds that social media like Twitter and Facebook tear down economic and geographic barriers to help homeless people connect to their families and support networks. By Chris Lisee.

(RNS) Some Wisconsin Catholics are praying both Catholic vice presidential candidates will have a religious epiphany. They want GOP Rep. Paul Ryan to change his mind and heart about his deep-cuts budget and Vice President Biden to turn against abortion rights. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.