Opponents of legislation in Hong Kong that would allow criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China are planning more protests and labor strikes in an attempt to block the move, which they say endangers the territory's judicial independence and Western-style freedoms.

According to the federal government, at least 8,493 people were killed during the first three months of this year. If this trend continues, the year will end with approximately 35,000 murders in Mexico—more than the already record-breaking 34,202 homicide victims of last year.

The Peoria Diocese said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky "is overjoyed and elated" that the remains of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be coming home to the diocese following a ruling by the state of New York's highest court.

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who is overseeing the investigation into the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West. Va., expressed regret over how he has handled transparency issues.

Pope Francis has expressed a wish to visit Iraq in 2020. In discussing the turmoil in the Middle East, he condemned the hypocrisy of those who "talk peace" but foment war with arms sales and neglect to ameliorate the suffering of innocent people.

Springfield Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki issued a decree June 6 stating that Catholic lawmakers in the Illinois Legislature "who promoted or voted for extreme abortion legislation" cannot receive Communion in churches in his diocese.