Pope Francis "trusts that the immense and immediate needs of so many individuals and communities will continue to inspire a vast outpouring of solidarity and mutual aid in the best traditions of the nation."

Archbishop Gomez suggested that the collection be taken during Masses the weekend of Sept. 2-3 or Sept. 9-10.

Cardinal Cupich of Chicago visited McAllen, Texas, to grant $100,000 for a new building to provide services for asylum seekers.

If a Catholic priest violates his vow of celibacy and fathers a child, he has "a moral obligation to step aside from ministry and provide for the care and needs of the mother and the child," said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley.

"While 40 years have passed, I must say this: I'm sorry. To anyone who has been subjected to racism or bigotry, I am sorry. I have no excuse, but I hope you will forgive me."

The emphasis on priests in the Catholic church may have arisen from the Reformation, one priest said.

The Journey of Hope Conference for Divorced Recovery held Aug. 4-6 in the Diocese of Charleston created a setting for people to experience hope, healing and mercy.

Navy chaplain Father David J. Hammond said Mass in the USS Bonhomme's Star of the Sea Chapel for three Marines who died when their aircraft went down off the coast of Australia.

The Vatican has appointed an apostolic visitor to investigate claims by Indonesian priests that their bishop had a mistress and misappropriated church funds.

"The real thing is that at this moment China and (the) pope have a very good relation," said Argentine Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the pontifical academies of Sciences and of Social Sciences.