A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

Benedict XVI announced yesterday that he will travel to Cuba and Mexico before Easter 2012 to “preach the Word of Christ” (video).

The British Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks called for an alliance between Jews and Christians against the “aggressively secularising forces at work in Europe today” during a lecture at the Pontifical Gregorian University yesterday (full text).

Lord Sacks also had a private audience with the Pope (video).

The Pope has sent a letter of support to an Italian religious studies teacher suspended for discussing the Last Judgment with pupils.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert has said that “there can be no real relationship with God without silence” in his first pastoral letter to the faithful of Aberdeen diocese (full text).

The funeral Mass of Cardinal John Foley will take place in Philadelphia’s cathedral-basilica on Friday.

Fr James Martin SJ says that Cardinal Foley should be remembered for his kindness.

Edward Pentin talks to Archbishop Charles Chaput about his “stunning” first pastoral letter to the people of Philadelphia.

And Mgr Charles Pope urges Catholics not to get tattoos.

The next Morning Catholic must-reads will be on Tuesday, December 20 because of Christmas deadlines