Pope Francis will visit Dublin and Knock Aug. 25-26, mainly for the World Meeting of Families. But he also will meet Irish government leaders and is expected to meet with survivors of abuse.

“People decided, ‘I just don’t like the Eighth; it’s just too strict even if I have nervousness about the laws that might replace it.’

The state has taken an increasing interest in regulating religious education and faith formation in schools.

Writer William Trevor never shied away from something like the Gothic, the nearly horrific side of everything from romantic passion to parenthood.

“I hope to share ‘best practices’ from parishes that have successfully reached out to the L.G.B.T. Catholic community,” Father Martin told America.

Higgins apologized to the women, whom he called "survivors of the Magdalene regime."