Today’s Catholic must-reads: 08/02/12

Benedict XVI dedicated his general audience this morning to a reflection on the cry of Jesus from the Cross: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (video).

The Vatican’s top prosecutor Mgr Charles Scicluna has said that bishops should be held accountable for failing to tackle clerical abuse.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, led a penitential liturgy last night as part of the unpredecented four-day Vatican conference on abuse.

The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope may visit Lebanon in September.

Matthew Cullinan Hoffman compares 21st-century American Catholics to 16th-century English recusants.

Catholic economist Philip Booth suggests it’s silly to ask whether markets can be moral.

And George Weigel considers whether the Church is ready for a Third Vatican Council.