Morning Briefing

Vatican City -- Pope Francis has created a commission to study the possibility of allowing women to serve as deacons, following up on a promise made in May. Equal number of male and female experts appointed to the commission

For this millennial, love of parish comes from music, service and community: Patrice Kugler says she is lucky.

Philadelphia -- With release from prison likely Tuesday, will Monsignor Lynn face retrial? by Ralph Cipriano

Lyon, France -- A French prosecutor on Monday dismissed a probe into allegations that Cardinal Philippe Barbarin covered up the sexual abuse of Scouts, in a case which shook the country's Catholic Church.

Baton Rouge, La. -- Appeals court: Woman can testify about what she claims she told Baton Rouge-area priest in confession about being sexually abused

Election 2016: Muslim Community Takes A Page From African-American Churches To Get Out The Vote

Election 2016: Clinton campaign reports nearly $90 million raised in July

Election 2016: Trump suggests general election could be ‘rigged’ “November 8th, we’d better be careful ... I hope the Republicans are watching closely or it’s going to be taken away from us.”

Aleppo, Syria -- At least 30 people, including children and women, were killed in government-controlled areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo from recent shelling by rebel forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday. Spokesman of International Red Cross: "This is utter madness. ... This has to stop."

Dublin, Ireland -- Serious questions over Maynooth seminary’s future ‘Goings on’ concern alleged gay activity, claim of lax theological formation

Greensburg, Pa. -- A stately house in Hempfield that three bishops have called home is being put on the market. The seven-bedroom, two-story brick house and stable on a manicured, wooded, 4-acre lot in the Maplewood Terrace neighborhood hasn't been used since Bishop Edward Malesic was ordained and installed in July 2015. Malesic lives in the rectory at St. Paul Parish in the Carbon section of Hempfield.

France in mourning: Thousands turn out for the funeral of slain Fr. Jacques Hame (Text and video -- enduring the video add.)

Q & A with Sr. Eileen McKenzie: Providing holistic health care the Franciscan way

Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.

Or reflect on Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.