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".

Fr John Zuhlsdorf decodes the Pope's address to the Roman Curia.

Brandon Vogt examines why young people leave the Church.

And George Demacopoulos asks if it's time for Orthodox Christians to abandon liturgical Greek.

Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.

I wish readers a very happy Christmas. The next Morning Catholic must-reads will be on Monday, January 2.