Scottish Catholic Observer

Church is a ‘house of joy,’ Pope Francis stresses on Gaudete Sunday.

Pope addresses Marxism accusations, women cardinals.

Scottish priest Fr Patrick Lawson granted legal aid to pursue historic case that could give priests employment rights.

Iraqi Catholic leader asks West: ‘If they kill us all, will you do something then?’

US plan gives Jerusalem holy sites to Vatican.

Teen arrested for beating and raping a 70-year-old nun.

Send prayers and messages of peace to Bethlehem.

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, His Grace, Godfrey Onah, wants African leaders to emulate the virtues of the late former South African President, Dr Nelson Mandela, by shunning corruption.

Muslims help rebuild a Catholic church.

AND FINALLY

Pope Francis gets a chance to show his playful side as a young boy in a medical centre snatches his skullcap.

Vatican lights up Christmas tree.

—Cross Wires is The Scottish Catholic Observer blog. Follow breaking news from the SCO through the day on Twitter at SCO_NEWS.