The German bishops’ conference has indicated that Cardinal Reinhard Marx did not endorse blessings for gay couples. Vatican praise for China is making “a laughing stock of the Church”, Fr Bernardo Cervellera has said (George Weigel). Two Mexican priests were “gunned down as they returned from Candlemas celebrations”, reports David Agren. The Cause of Order of Malta Grand Master Fra’ Andrew Bertie is reportedly advancing. Michael Brendan Dougherty argues that “the great scandal” of the modern Church “now touches directly on the Pope himself” (Rod Dreher). Michel Chambon profiles the diocese at the heart of the Vatican-China controversy. And Tom Carter witnesses the rise of the millennial pilgrim. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.