Prelates in Germany and Austria have united to support Pope Francis in response to a former papal nuncio's demand for his resignation.

Since hearings began on Sept. 4, they have been marked by daily interruptions—in the audience and from the dais.

Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of St. Paul and Minneapolis said the Catholic Church "desperately needs an independent structure, led by experienced lay personnel, to investigate and review allegations made against bishops, archbishops and cardinals" in an Aug. 31 statement.

Myanmar's military continues to persecute ethnic Kachin, the predominant Christian group in a conflict-torn part of the country, as well as Rohingya Muslims, said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar.

The board wants to close a loophole in church policy that critics say fails to hold bishops accountable when it comes to sexual abuse allegations.

Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns has asked Pope Francis for an extraordinary synod to address issues in the latest Catholic clergy sex abuse crisis, including "abuse of power, clericalism, accountability and the understanding of transparency in the church."

Where does this extreme hatred of gay priests come from? It comes from fear.

Improve your academic experience by familiarizing yourself with the rights and responsibilities of students, parents and everyone in the school community.

More committees are not the answer to stop the abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy, said an Aug. 28 statement by the National Review Board, which is charged with addressing clerical sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Vigano accused church officials, including Pope Francis, of failing to act on accusations of abuse by McCarrick.