At the upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon region, the Catholic Church will be discussing the shortage of priests and the growing number of lay people who minister in their stead, with prayer services, Gospel readings and homilies.

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of a New Zealand bishop over what church officials said was his “completely unacceptable” sexual behavior with a young woman.

Almost 1,700 priests and other clergy members that the Roman Catholic Church considers credibly accused of child sexual abuse are living under the radar with little to no oversight from religious authorities or law enforcement.

Bishop Richard Malone said that he welcomes the apostolic visitation, which he said was for the good of the church in Buffalo, and said he would cooperate fully.

The upcoming canonization ceremonies for John Henry Cardinal Newman has become an occasion for Catholic colleges to re-examine the life and purpose of the newest saint for students everywhere.

Promoting religious freedom, providing humanitarian assistance and fighting human trafficking are three major issues the Vatican and the U.S. administration agree on and on which they will continue to coordinate efforts, panelists said at a joint symposium.