The agency cited women employed in private homes as in need of protection from abuse and exploitation.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Washington said the decision to cease offering health benefits for spouses to Catholic Charities employees was "extremely difficult."

Church leaders in Pakistan cite a “lethargic attitude” toward attacks on religious minorities.

The president of the country's bishops’ conference said, “We ache for our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives."

If King Juan Carlos of Spain signs a new law easing abortion restrictions, a church official said that no action would be taken against him.

Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff, Wales, praised the director of public prosecutions for removing some of the most troubling provisions.