Signs Of the Times

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.”

“This measure provides an immediate benefit for those who have already given and incentive for those who are considering a charitable contribution,” House leaders said.

An ad profiling Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow’s mother and her decision against medical advice not to abort him is scheduled to air during this weekend’s Super Bowl.

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.