Signs Of the Times

The Vatican has voiced concern over the loss of life in Libya, the targeting of peaceful protesters and “the indiscriminate use of force.”

The country now stands on the brink of achieving the “dream” of a democratic system, the patriarch of Alexandria said.

The archbishop of Milwaukee issued a statement on Feb. 16 that came down squarely in favor of workers’ rights.

Three archdiocesan priests and one lay teacher have been charged with rape, assault and other felonies related to the abuse of children.

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley reportedly will tell the pope that the church in Ireland is “on the edge” of collapse because of the abuse scandals.

The Catholic Church’s example for development holds valuable lessons, said one prominent economist.

Taiwan’s Cardinal Paul Shan will make a historic visit to China, the first contact between Catholics on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in 60 years.

Gov. Jan Brewer said she was prepared to defend S.B. 1070 all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

John Sweeney, former president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., was honored along with a Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Feb. 15.

Representatives of Catholic organizations said that massive foreign investment in Africa is pushing small farmers off their land.