In February, Kuwait’s newly formed al-Adala Bloc introduced legislation to remove Christian churches and impose Islamic Shariah law.

The cardinal sees an opportunity for the Diocese of Hong Kong to reach out to both the “open” and the “underground” Catholic Church in mainland China.

Housing is a human right, especially for women, who often are solely responsible for the care and upbringing of children, a Vatican official said.

Roman Catholics and Anglicans should renew their commitments to praying and working for Christian unity, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, Nigeria, called for calm after a suicide car bomb struck a Catholic church on March 11.

In a letter to Congress, Bishop Stephen Blaire and Bishop Richard Pates supported moves to strengthen programs that help the poor and vulnerable at home and abroad.