“It is the ugly face of clericalism that unfortunately still has too much influence in our church,” Archbishop Gregory said.

As extraordinary as the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, nearly 100 years ago were, the sanctity of the shepherd children did not hinge on their having seen Mary, a cardinal said.

The congregation shouted “Shame, shame!” at the Rev. Edward Pushparaj when he said Pope Francis had only been “bad” for the Catholic Church.

Despite recent and repeated terrorist attacks against Egypt's minority Christian communities, Pope Francis will not cancel his visit to Egypt.

Humility, courage and openness are crucial in creating harmony between social, scientific and political bodies, the pope said.

The rise of "zombie Catholics" in French politics may indicate a renewed energy in the French church.