German Catholics will bless same-sex unions at about 100 different services all over the country this week.

Zoll covered religion in all its aspects, from the spiritual to the political, and her stories reached a global audience.

Decisions about administering the Eucharist rest solely on the bishop giving the sacrament, said Cardinal Michael Czerny.

Pope Francis on Thursday denounced “aggressive” nationalism that rejects migrants, and said Catholics should follow the Gospel-mandated call for a welcoming church that doesn’t distinguish between “natives and foreigners, residents and guests.”

While millions of laypeople around the world are recognized as catechists in their parish or diocese, Pope Francis is preparing to formally institute the “ministry of catechist.”

An app developed by Catholic Extension helps sisters to address the spiritual and mental health needs of Latino immigrants in their neighborhoods.