President Hugo Chávez has ordered a review of Venezuela's concordat with the Holy See following criticism of his policies by Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino of Caracas.
The Vatican is expected to release its revised norms on clerical abuse cases today.
The Pope's delegate to the Legion of Christ has told members they must examine their consciences and reform.
Pope Benedict has expressed joy at the release of a Chinese bishop from jail as the Holy See and China reach agreement on the appointment of a new Bishop of Taizhou.
