After decades of dwindling interest in the priesthood, the priests-in-training are leaving the historic halls of Montreal's Grand Seminaire.

Many places of worship across Ontario are reopening for the first time in months as some restrictions are lifted from the COVID-19 lockdown.

Even once churches reopen, Fabbro said mass will still be livestreamed wherever possible.

St. Michael the Archangel church in Belleville delivers mass while maintaining physical distancing and social isolation.

Catholic churches in Toronto are shutting their doors on the eve of Holy Week after the Ontario government deemed all places of worship non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic and ordered them closed.

A report from L'Arche International found Jean Vanier engaged in "manipulative sexual relationships'' over a period from 1970 to 2005, usually with a "psychological hold'' over the alleged victims. Vanier died last year at age 90.

In an eagerly-awaited document, Francis didn't even refer to recommendations by Amazonian bishops to consider the ordination of married men and women deacons. Rather, he urged bishops to pray for more priestly vocations and send missionaries to the region, where the faithful living in remote communities can go months or even years without Mass.

A retired Regina priest had his appeal of a surrender order dismissed by Saskatchewan's top court, and now faces extradition to Scotland to face sex and physical assault charges.

Pope Benedict says celibacy, which became a stable tradition in the Church only about 1,000 years ago, carries "great significance" because it allows a priest to concentrate on his vocation.

A revised housing plan next to a former church in Kingston's Portsmouth Village has upset neighbours who say the new units change the character of the area.