VATICAN CITY – An expert on abuse prevention offered “practical suggestions” to participants at a Vatican summit on child sexual abuse on Thursday, while two cardinals encouraged bishops to work together to support victims of clerical abuse.

VATICAN CITY – At the start of the Vatican’s sex-abuse summit Thursday, Pope Francis pointed to expectations for the meeting to produce responsibility and concrete action, not just denunciations of abuse.

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has released the schedule, speakers, and a new website for this week’s much-anticipated sex-abuse summit, which will focus on episcopal transparency and accountability for the protection of minors.

VATICAN CITY – The Synod of Bishops released Thursday an English translation of the final document of the 2018 session on young people, faith and vocational discernment. The document encourages young people to seek an authentic encounter with God, instead of adopting a morally relativistic outlook on life.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis Monday accepted the resignations of Vatican press office director Greg Burke and vice director Paloma Garcia Ovejero, who had served at the head of the Holy See’s press office as the pope’s spokespersons since August 2016.

VATICAN CITY – Organizers of the Vatican’s February meeting on sexual abuse have sent a letter to the participating bishops asking them to meet with abuse victims in advance of the gathering.

VATICAN CITY – Ahead of his 82nd birthday, Pope Francis held a party and ate birthday cake with children under the care of a free health clinic inside the Vatican.

VATICAN CITY – Growing up next door to Daytona Beach in Florida, Rich Varano spent a lot of time making things out of sand with his dad. He never imagined it could turn into his full-time gig — but 30 years later, he cannot imagine doing anything else.