Catholic representatives worked to keep negotiations on track for a comprehensive deal to address global warming as the U.N. climate change conference entered its second and final week in Katowice, Poland.

"He has a great capacity for synthesis, and his doors are open to all, whether to those in government or to those in opposition."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said commitment to combat climate change was "felt in all religions," and he praised the "very positive position" of Pope Francis on the issue.

“Tragic characters like these, who seem tangled in sin, are always a call to conversion,” said one Polish primate.

Catholics in Ukraine said people fear a full-scale war with Russia, after a naval confrontation prompted the imposition of martial law in Ukraine's eastern regions.

The bishops' call in late November came after two priests and at least 60 civilians were killed Nov. 15.

The nuns are shown limbering up in their habits before strapping on gloves and slugging it out to the theme song from "Rocky."

Election monitors documented ballot stuffing and intimidation during Russia's election.

All but three of the 16 prefectures in the country are still controlled by armed gangs, despite the presence of U.N. peacekeepers.

An archbishop who inspected the Medjugorje shrine believes the Vatican will recognize the Marian apparitions, but Pope Francis has said of them, "This is not the mother of Jesus."