A conservative Catholic finds he admires certain "spirit of Vatican II" priests and realizes his old hope in the "JP2 generation" may have been misplaced.

Active Catholics can look down on the "slackers," like those who go to the "utility Mass" on Sunday evening, for just barely fulfilling their obligation. Some ask why they even bother going.

One of Nigeria's most senior bishops has blamed government apathy for the recent surge in abductions of the clergy.

And what we can do about it

A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

Francis urges priests and bishops to maintain 'evangelical closeness' to their flocks

A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

Pope Francis spoke to faculty, staff and alumni of the Pontifical Spanish College of St Joseph in Rome