Signs Of the Times

The Vatican said the recent election of new church leaders by government-controlled Catholic groups in China have “unilaterally damaged” hopes of improved relations.

The Senate’s inability to overcome a threatened filibuster Dec. 18 scuttled passage of the DREAM Act.

In response to the “unimaginable” scandal of clerical sex abuse against minors, the church must do everything possible to rectify the injustices suffered by victims of sex abuse.

Infringements on the freedom of religion threaten peace worldwide as well as stifle authentic human development, the pope said.

Eight bishops in communion with Pope Benedict XVI laid their hands on Father Guo, whose ordination was illicit in the eyes of the church.

“This could be a good opportunity for us in the parishes to clarify and to teach,” said Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga.

The current outbreak of cholera has aggravated an already difficult situation for Haitians, the bishops said.

Bishop Hubbard called the New Start treaty a “modest step toward a world with greater respect for human life.”