The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has accused the Moscow Patriarchate of isolating itself from "theological dialogue with the Catholic Church" in a dispute over primacy (Moscow Patriarchate statement). Benedict XVI has thanked the organisers of a global initiative to send him pencils to encourage him to keep writing. The National Catholic Reporter has suspended comments on its website after an influx of "vile and demeaning" messages. Historian James Hitchcock suggests that new restrictions on the creation of monsignors may be a revival of an earlier tradition. Robert Pigott asks if Francis can "succeed in rebuilding Christian faith by simply changing the conversation". Fr Thomas Reese SJ suggests the next pope may be among the new cardinals created next month. And scientists have concluded that travelling back in time is impossible after searching for "clearly prescient" comments before the election of Pope Francis. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day. The next Morning Catholic must-reads will be on Thursday, January 9