Ending a year that saw the papal visit, a war in Gaza and a resumption of violence in Jerusalem, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal's Christmas message condemned all instances of violence.The patriarch was called to Amman unexpectedly on Dec. 18, so his message was read by Auxiliary Bishop William Shoma

Some exiles 'cautiously hopeful' about change; others feel betrayed

Breakthrough is low hanging fruit for first Latin American pope

American Alan Gross has been released in an apparent exchange with Cuba that has allowed the United States to proceed with a historic normalization of relations with Cuba after decades of hostility suspicion and economic embargo that has previously been lamented by Vatican officials as unproductive

More than 85,000 people still live in dozens of tent camps in expansive earthquake zone.

The agreement reached at the end of the most recent round of international negotiations for a new climate-change treaty fails to protect the poorest and most vulnerable countries, Catholic observers said.The accord fell far short of a call from Catholic bishops from around the world to take strong m