There are elements in the trial of Cardinal Pell that do not easily translate to a U.S. context, including a media blackout and the cardinal’s long history with the issues of sexual abuse and cover-up.

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

Pro-life advocates argue that the New York law allows the most extreme forms of abortion. Pro-choice advocates respond that late-term abortions are rare and complicated. Both sides are right.

What exactly is Pope Francis suggesting?

The terms used to describe and classify alleged sexual abuse are not standardized across dioceses and religious orders. Should they be?

Napoleon’s consolidation of power in France in 1801 involved the recognition of the pope as the “ordinary and immediate pastor” of the universal church—a key component in the impending agreement between the Vatican and China.