On the same day the bishops decided to establish a permanent committee on religious liberty, they agreed to extend the work of an ad hoc committee on immigration.

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory made the comments in the homily at an evening Mass said to commemorate a "Day of Prayer and Penance" for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was listed in stable condition after being shot by a gunman.

Catholic leaders in London offered prayers for victims of a fire in a 24-story apartment building.

Pope Francis and members of his international Council of Cardinals discussed the possibility of allowing local bishops rather than the Vatican decide on certain matters.

The Vatican has released an online questionnaire to better understand the lives, attitudes and concerns of 16-to 29-year-olds around the world.