Signs Of the Times

Authorities raised their estimates of the number of dead to 200,000, and more than 1.5 million are now homeless.

The bishops urged both Palestinians and Israelis to support public officials who “take courageous initiatives for a just resolution of the conflict.”

Cardinal Claudio Hummes said instances of abuse by priests are “criminal facts that the church can never tolerate in any way.”

The designation will continue for the next 18 months, and people may apply immediately.

The pope responded to the widespread impression that Pope Pius XII did not do enough to speak out against the Holocaust.

Malaysian Catholic bishops called the escalation of violence against Christian churches in their country “worrisome and delicate.”

The massive amount of aid pouring into the country is dwarfed by the overwhelming needs of people who lost their homes, families, jobs and possessions.

In a letter to Congress three leading U.S. bishops called on the body to “set aside partisan divisions and special-interest pressures” to achieve genuine health reform.

Organizers say more than 100,000 participated in the Washington march this year.

A pastoral letter said major sporting events often see “systems put in place to satisfy the demand for paid sex.”