HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH

French film icon Brigitte Bardot has joined the campaign to convince Pope Francis to go vegan.

Of the many traditions and penitential practices observed during the season of Lent, one of the more visible is the stark change in church decor and a complete absence of flowers.

For the first time in 300 years, the marble steps of the Holy Stairs will be free from the thick wooden panels installed in 1723 to protect the stairs and left uncovered for the public.

The Vatican defends itself against Crux reporting on its UN mission office in New York.

The Catholic Church must respect the law and accept court decisions regarding clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up, said Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a leading expert in child protection.