Some church leaders in Ireland say the World Meeting of Families, to be held next year in Dublin, should be open to all kinds of families, including gay couples.

Catholics are following the general public in a broader acceptance of cremation.

Upward of 3,000 buildings have been destroyed just in Santa Rosa, a city of 175,000 people.

The bishops “urge constitutional experts and the law reform commission to guide the nation on the feasibility of establishing an anti-corruption court, with specialized prosecutors, that would ensure speedy and efficient disposal of corruption cases and financial crimes.”

“I believe it’s essential for some people to go to jail for the sake of democracy. It will in the end strengthen the movement.”

23 senators voted against Ms. Gingrich’s confirmation, a departure from previous nominations that faced little opposition.