Vatican media have presented the pope as a trained diplomat who followed the international events carefully.
The convictions of six people on charges related to anti-Christian violence have "strengthened our people's morale," the local bishop said.
Leaders representing 59,000 women religious are questioning what they call a lack of full disclosure about what is motivating the Vatican’s visitation.
Christians are not seen as integral members of society, “as citizens, with the same rights and duties” as the majority but as “a people apart.”
The new translation will serve the majority of Spanish-speaking Catholics who cannot understand current Spanish translations of the Bible.
Protesters opposed to the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya have reportedly been jailed, beaten and raped by the country’s security forces.
Catholic presence in Afghanistan is limited to aid workers. Preaching Christianity is strictly forbidden.