Five Things to Remember on Sept. 2

1. It's September, and this month, Pope Francis is praying especially that "the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life" and that "Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may serve the poor and suffering."

2. Bishop Denis Madden blogs about the importance of dialogue, especially in the face of horrific world events. Bishop Madden chairs the U.S. bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. He notes that Pope Francis has called dialogue "the only way to peace."

3. Pope Francis is far from the first pope to pursue world peace. Catholic News Service has a profile of Pope Benedict XV, who was elected 100 years ago tomorrow, just after the outbreak of World War I. As a result, Benedict (whom Benedict XVI later called a "prophet of peace") dedicated much of his pontificate to peacemaking and humanitarian efforts.

4. A little hiatus — Five Things will be taking the rest of the week off, but will return September 8.

5. God loves you.