In a 64-50 vote May 28, the Illinois House passed an abortion bill the Catholic Conference of Illinois called "an extreme measure" that allows "for the abortion of unborn life at any stage of pregnancy and for any reason."

With Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signing into law a bill that bans abortions on or beyond the eighth week of pregnancy, the state's lawmakers" have taken a giant step forward for the pro-life movement," said St. Louis Archbishop Robert J. Carlson.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City expressed gratitude that lives were spared and that all residents of the Missouri capital are accounted for following a devastating tornado.

"We express our strongest condemnation at this disquieting wave of violence and assure our bruised brethren of solidarity, prayerful communion and compassion."

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez is calling on Catholics to tell their state senators to vote "no" on a bill that "would order priests to disclose information they might hear in confession concerning the sexual abuse of minors."

Gathered in a makeshift chapel around a simple pine casket, members of L'Arche communities and Faith and Light groups from around the world mourned the passing of Jean Vanier and celebrated his life, his wisdom, his holiness and humanity.

If the bill becomes law, Alabama will have the most restrictive abortion law in the country.

Catholic leaders canceled Sunday Masses as Sri Lanka's churches remained closed for a second week for fear of new terrorist attacks after the Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Church leaders across Asia have expressed alarm over threats to press freedom amid reports of increasing attacks and intimidation of journalists, resulting in growing levels of self-censorship.

Bishop Oscar Cantu, the co-adjutor bishop of San Jose, Calif., has assumed governance of the diocese upon the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. Bishop Cantu's appointment was announced May 1 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.