Quebec has played host to a number of cults and alternative religions over the years, from the Ant Hill Kids, the cruelly abused followers of Roch Thériault to the U.F.O. believers of the Raelian Church.

“The Roman Curia can no longer say, ‘The law is set here, and it is to be obeyed out there,’” Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta told America’s Vatican correspondent in this exclusive interview.

Focusing again on the fundamental Christian beliefs outlined by the Council of Nicaea almost 1,700 years ago can help Christians today put Christ back at the center of their lives, Pope Francis said.

A Reflection for Friday of the First Week of Advent, by Kevin Christopher Robles

A Reflection for Thursday of the First Week of Advent, by Molly Cahill

A Reflection for Wednesday of the First Week of Advent, by J.D. Long García

A Reflection for Monday of the First Week of Advent, by Michael SImone, S.J.

A Homily for the First Sunday of Advent, by Father Terrance Klein

How realistic is “Conclave”? A canon lawyer weighs in.

U.K. faith leaders oppose the assisted dying bill: “We believe that a truly compassionate response to the end of life lies in the provision of high-quality palliative care services to all who need them.”