The bishops’ conference of the Philippines has defended a bishop accused of ties to illegal drugs by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Almost all members of a French order of nuns have chosen to renounce their vows rather than live under a Vatican commissioner.

The synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has approved a draft constitutional charter for an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Cardinal Gerhard Müller has criticised priests who “who never go to spiritual exercises, never approach the confessional, never pray the breviary”.

Massimo Faggioli says that “Rome is particularly worried about what might happen at the next conclave”.

Phil Lawler argues that Cardinal Cupich’s appointment to the organising committee of February’s abuse summit is “astonishing”.

And Jean Vanier reflects on loneliness and belonging on his 90th birthday (audio).

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