Wyoming

Talking about debates, differences and discernment, Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that people focused on the possibility of ordaining some married men and women deacons for service in the Amazon will be disappointed in his apostolic exhortation.

Bishops from the northwestern United States spent more than two and half hours with Pope Francis and came away talking about his small gestures and, especially, his understanding and encouragement.

Though most prelates who have resigned or been removed for sexual misconduct or cover-up no longer attend the biannual U.S. bishops' meeting, only one has been formally disinvited. And one convicted bishop continues to show up.

"We have come to the conclusion that the death penalty does not work and can't be made to work, not in spite of our conservative principles, but because of them."

A retired bishop already facing a Vatican trial for allegations that he sexually abused minors years ago is facing three new accusations of abuse, said the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Police in Wyoming are recommending sex abuse charges against two unnamed Catholic leaders in the state.

Pope Francis has named Archbishop Paul Etienne of Anchorage to be coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, meaning he will assist and could succeed Archbishop J. Peter Sartain.

Republican leaders in the House are calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and other House Democrats "to stop blocking" a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.