When allegations first surfaced regarding then-Cardinal McCarrick last month, some church officials called for new regulations and policies that apply to charges of misconduct and mismanagement against bishops. But in his letter, Bishop Scharfenberger said such changes alone will not be enough to address the church’s failings.

The number of permanent deacons in the Catholic Church has steadily grown, to more than 18,000 in the U.S. and more than 45,000 worldwide.

When we laugh at the absurdity of life, we embrace it anew with a daring we somehow lacked before.

Father Rossi says he recently shared his story with his bishop, who supports his decision to speak out, and with his parish.

In a statement released by the Archdiocese of Santiago July 24, Cardinal Ezzati said he was committed to helping victims "search for the truth" and denied any wrongdoing.

Amid controversy caused by a Vatican official's assertions that priests "have no credibility" in marriage preparation, representatives from dioceses across the United States maintain that both priests and laity have integral roles in the process.