Morning Briefing

Pope Francis to priests: "Leave the 'whip' hanging in the sacristy and be shepherds with tenderness, even with those who create more trouble for you."

Resignations of Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piché called "painful process," "prudent move."

From Star Tribune: Nienstedt, a warrior bishop, "leaving in defeat."

Jozef Wesolowski, formerly an archbishop and nuncio to the Dominican Republic, who left his post in 2013 after being accused of sexual misconduct with minors, will stand trial next month at the Vatican with possible "international legal cooperation." 

Version of encyclical leaks; Vatican requests embargo be respected.

Religions rise, Religions fall. Is the Catholic Church going out of business? Fr. Peter Daly says, "It's a fair question .

In Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Three deteriorating churches set to close.

In Vietnam, nuns struggle to protect seaside religious site for pilgrims.