Morning Catholic must-reads: 05/07/12

Benedict XVI expressed renewed confidence in Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the embattled Vatican Secretary of State, yesterday (full text, video).

Archbishop Gerhard Müller has said that he wasn’t chosen to be prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith because of his German nationality in his first interview since his appointment.

The Council of Europe has presented the Holy See with a “report card” on financial transparency that will be released publicly next month.

The Vatican Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples has clashed with the Chinese authorities over the ordination of a bishop in Harbin, north-east China, without papal approval.

Archaeologists have discovered a mosaic depicting the Old Testament figure Samson at an ancient synagogue in northern Israel.

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship, has taken part in a public debate with former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

Sandro Magister considers what impact English Archbishop Arthur Roche will have in his new role as secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

Charlie Spiering profiles Marco Rubio, one of the “few new Catholic stars” in American politics.

And Muslims in Kenya have said they will guard churches following deadly attacks on Christians last weekend.

For updates throughout the day follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen