catholic church

Pope heads to Mongolia in centuries-old diplomatic exchange

By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

In some ways, he will be completing a mission begun by the 13th- century Pope Innocent IV, who dispatched a series of emissaries east with letters to ascertain the intentions of the expanding Mongol Empire.

Judge rules former Catholic cardinal not competent to stand trial on teen sexual abuse charges

By Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press

A judge has ruled that former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is not competent to stand trial.

Pope Francis denounces ‘backward’ attitudes of conservatives in U.S. Catholic Church

By Associated Press

The Pope said those conservatives have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.

Catholics call for Vatican to embrace women in leadership, LGBTQ community, report says

By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

The Vatican on Tuesday released the synthesis of a two-year consultation process. It has published a working document that will form the basis of discussion for a big meeting of bishops and laypeople in October.

‘The momentum is irreversible.’ More states are removing time limits on child sex abuse lawsuits

By David Sharp, Associated Press

Advocates say momentum is growing for completely removing the statute of limitations for child sex abuse lawsuits. Maryland followed Maine and Vermont to become the only three states to have eliminated all time limits on lawsuits.

Pope Francis grants women right to vote at upcoming bishops’ meeting

By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

The unprecedented change reflects Francis' hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church.

Investigation reveals widespread sexual abuse and cover-ups by Archdiocese of Baltimore

By Geoff Bennett, Dorothy Hastings

More than 150 Catholic priests and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused over 600 children, according to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. A long-awaited report revealed the horrific scope of abuse and cover-ups spanning some eight decades.

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Vatican closes embassy in Nicaragua in response to crackdown on Catholic Church

By Nicole Winfield, Gabriela Selser, Associated Press

The Vatican said Saturday it had closed its embassy in Nicaragua after the country's government proposed suspending diplomatic relations, the latest episode in a yearslong crackdown on the Catholic Church by the administration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

WATCH: Authorities hold briefing after arrest of suspect in killing of bishop in California

By Olga R. Rodriguez, Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna says a man arrested Monday in the weekend killing of a Catholic auxiliary bishop is the husband of the victim's housekeeper and had done work at his home.

Portugal church sex abuse study suggests there may be over 4,000 victims

By Barry Hatton, Associated Press

A committee looking into historic child sex abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church says 512 alleged victims have come forward, but a report by the expert panel warned that the true number is likely higher than 4,800.