The bishops said in a statement on July 19: “You, Mr. Governor, bribed and attacked people and groups that participate in our democratic coexistence and therefore cannot continue to exercise your role.”

The Office of the West Virginia Attorney said sanctions issued by Pope Francis against Bishop Michael J. Bransfield are a "first step" but demanded further disclosure of the investigation.

It is worth taking a closer look at the role of compassion and empathy in journalism, Richard G. Jones writes.

A legal group critical of President Duterte, the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, said the allegations "smack of political persecution and shotgun repression on its face using again the legal system as a potent political weapon through the law of rulers."

Bishop Vasquez ended his statement referring to Pope Francis' words that "we must work for 'globalization of solidarity' with refugees, not a globalization of indifference."

Four Irish bishops said abortion and same-sex marriage will be imposed on Northern Ireland after British politicians "hijacked" a bill intended for other purposes.