Happy Friday! As always, your weekly roundup:
In Syria, the Islamic State released 17 men and two Assyrian Christian captives after processing them through a Shariah court. More than 200 Assyrians remain in Islamic State hands.
The head of security at the Vatican said the city-state is on alert in case of an attack by Islamic militants, although officials are not aware of any specific plot.
Archaeologists working in Nazareth in modern-day Israel have identified a house dating to the first century that was regarded as the place where Jesus was brought up by Mary and Joseph.
The Vatican confirmed that Robert W. McElroy, an auxiliary bishop in San Francisco, was named head of the Diocese of San Diego. He will be installed April 15.
Cardinal Edward Egan, who was the archbishop of New York during the 9/11 terror attacks and the clergy sex abuse scandal, died on Thursday. He was best known for administrative acumen that helped solidify the finances of the archdiocese.
Pope Francis issued a new legal framework for three key oversight bodies that confirm the authority of the man he put in charge of his financial clean-up operation, controversial Australian Cardinal George Pell.
New York City will add two Muslim holidays to its public school calendars, making it the largest school district in the United States to do so.
The Archbishop of Lima has said the popularity of messaging app WhatsApp is causing families to breakdown and people to cheat on their partners.
Pope Francis is expected to canonize Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, during the world Synod of Bishops on the family in October.
The Vatican announced an initiative Monday to protect the Amazon basin and its inhabitants.
Good to know, we guess: A New Jersey appellate court says a man cannot seek damages for burns he suffered while bowing his head in prayer over a sizzling steak fajita skillet at an Applebee's.
And now for the papal rapid fire roundup:
This week, Pope Francis:
- Has lots of guests.
- Is pretty popular.
- Likes the elderly.
- Kissed another baby.
