The Mother of Mercy health office is Pope Francis’ latest gift to the homeless, which have also included showers and a barber shop.

Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya says "the whole world is looking toward Bethlehem" and the Palestinians are ready to host them.

He expressed his remorse in remarks to parishioners a week after the Dec. 8 funeral of Maison Hullibarger, which received extensive media coverage. His remarks were released Dec. 17 by the Detroit Archdiocese along with its own statement of apology.

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland signed an abortion law which takes affect on January 1, 2019. According to the Department of Health, only 200 of some 2,500 family doctors have signed up to be abortion providers. However, many Irish doctors have expressed concern that despite conscientious objections, they might be forced by law to conduct abortions.

The Government of Mexico has announced it is willing to house and protect refugees seeking admission to the United States but the number of people awaiting processing could reach in the tens of thousands, causing many to wonder if Mexico has the capacity to offer shelter to so many people.

Several Mideast-based Christians working on the Syria crisis have joined a growing chorus about U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull some 2,000 American troops from Syria.