"The dismemberment of the body is not allowed" unless the bishop has obtained permission from the saints' congregation.

The Knights of Columbus also has earmarked money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico.

A reflection for the third Tuesday of Advent

The pope spoke Dec. 16 with members of the Italian Periodical Press Union and members of the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies, which represents nearly 200 Catholic newspapers.

Part of the church's role can't help but stem from lessons learned in the abuse crisis.

The lawsuits aim to take away the exemption granted in October to the Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious employers allowing them to refuse to cover contraceptives for their employees on moral grounds.