Signs Of the Times

According to a new report, in the Gulf South the number of unemployed persons has more than doubled.

An Irish government spokesman said that amount, even added to the large sums already paid by religious orders, was still insufficient.

Rio de Janeiro’s towering Christ the Redeemer statue, undergoing restoration, was spray-painted with graffiti by vandals.

Mexican priests have been transferred to other parishes or even moved to other parts of the country because of threats.

The pope was “deeply moved by their stories and expressed his shame and sorrow over what victims and their families have suffered.”

“As one of the greatest suppliers of electricity in our country, we must reflect on what producing this energy truly costs,” said Bishop Michael J. Bransfield.

San Antonio’s Archbishop José H. Gómez will become head of the archdiocese upon Cardinal Roger M. Mahony’s retirement.

“In March we finally accomplished what I set out to do 18 years ago,” Rep. Stupak said. “I’m proud to have helped bring it across the finish line.”

Connecticut’s bishops are resisting a bill that would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in cases of sexual abuse.

Only 12 percent of Americans surveyed said the pope has done an excellent or good job in handling the abuse scandal.