Morning Catholic must-reads

Cardinal Keith O’Brien has said that the crucifix is “not an imposition but an invitation” ahead of a ruling on its public display by the European Court of Human Rights.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Archbishop of Quebec, is emerging as the new favourite to replace Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

The Irish bishops have appealed for a free vote on the country’s civil partnership bill.

Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles says the US bishops are “very troubled” by some Catholic blogs.

Zenit publishes the third part of Pope Benedict’s question-and-answer session with priests.

James Preece wonders how much influence Archbishop Vincent Nichols will have over what the Pope says in Britain.

Cristina Odone says church schools could be key to reducing Britain’s teenage pregnancy rate.

And Archbishop Nichols says he doesn’t want to hear vuvuzelas during Pope Benedict’s visit to Britain.