Holy Week in Pakistan this year was set against a backdrop of suicide bombings that have killed Catholic workers.
A Vatican commission expressed the hope that bishops and priests deprived of freedom would be allowed to resume their pastoral ministry.
The Iraqi Council of Christian Church Leaders was pleased with the level of public participation in the recent elections.
A group of Palestinian Christians, Muslims and some Jewish supporters managed to breach the tight security separating Bethlehem and Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Two pending federal lawsuits seek to pull the Vatican into U.S. courts over claims that it is liable for damages to victims of sexual abuse by priests
Palestinians are frustrated by excessive presence of Israeli police and numerous barricades during Holy Week.
Twice during Holy Week liturgies, the pope was caught unawares when his aides spoke passionately about the barrage of criticism the pontiff has faced.