"Pandemics and disasters are like springtime for phony priests," said Rodolfo Soriano-Núñez, a sociologist who studies the Mexican church.

The Vatican has proposed to the Chinese government that they extend an agreement signed in 2018 regarding the appointment of bishops, Vatican Media reported.

Trump has accepted an invitation to return to the dinner for the first time in four years. Organizers said they anticipate his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, will attend as well.

Saying that the pandemic is causing widespread economic challenges, the officials urged Congress and the White House to "put aside partisan politics and prioritize human life and the common good."

Marcus Cole, the law school's dean, described Barrett as an "absolutely brilliant legal scholar and jurist. She is also one of the most popular teachers we have ever had here at Notre Dame Law School."

Village chief Luzviminda "Kap Ida" Dayanda and treasurer Albert Orlina were reportedly shot dead by gunmen in Guinobatan Sept. 21 while heading home after a meeting at the town hall.