German bishops are concerned about right-wing extremism and have explicitly positioned themselves against the populist Alternative for Germany. An unusual move, as they are usually loath to comment on political parties.

In Belgium, a recent documentary on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has caused shock and soul-searching, reigniting a debate about the way religion is funded in the country. Unlike in neighbouring France, the Belgian state finances officially recognised religions, with representatives of the Catholic Church receiving the best pay. But the abuse scandal has seen many people demand a change in the rules.

The Catholic church is in crisis worldwide. A synod being held in Rome is due to provoke an unusually open dialogue. Will the calls for reform and different regions taking their own paths tear the church apart?

US papers are awash with articles about Kevin McCarthy becoming the first House speaker in history to be removed from office. We also take a look at why rumours of a schism within the Catholic Church are brewing in the lead-up to this year's Synod assembly. Also in the news: military governments in the Sahel struggle to deliver on their promise to guarantee security in the region. We finish with a look at how ageing naturally is back in style.

German Cardinal Franz Hengsbach is accused of having sexually abused three individuals in the 1950s and 60s. Victims groups want to know if Pope Benedict was involved in quashing an investigation a decade ago.

Documents provide the names of at least 3,200 Jews that had been corroborated by Rome's Jewish Community. The Nazis occupied Rome in 1943-1944 and deported and murdered around 2,000 Jews.