The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have urged "all authorities and powers to walk in the ways of peace with justice and reconciliation" in their Christmas message.
China has responded in unusually "mild tones" to a statement from the Holy See about the country's Catholics, reports Asia News.
The election of a Catholic priest as president of the state-run University of Strasbourg has ignited controversy in France.
Richard Gaillardetz argues that Pope Francis is "refashioning the exercise of doctrinal teaching authority in the Church".
