A sentence of laicization—sometimes referred to colloquially as defrocking—would complete a stunning fall from grace for the former cardinal.

The delegation was in Rome to solicit the support of the Italian government in recognizing Guaido as interim president of Venezuela.

“As long as there is a dictatorship in Venezuela, it is better not to return,” said Alexander. “I feel that there is an illegitimate government, a power that literally controls everything, but also an opposition that has defrauded the people many times.”

Pope Francis will have St. Francis of Assisi on his mind when he visits Abu Dhabi Feb. 3-5 and Morocco in late March.

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry O’Connell and I update you on Pope Francis’ recent comments on the possibility of married priests, as well as on the current crisis in Venezuela.

Lisbon, Portugal, will open its doors to the world's young people in 2022 for the next World Youth Day.