Visitors converged on the town's large Christmas tree in Manger Square, near the spot believed to mark Jesus' birthplace.

From the defense of moneylending to ethical research methods, theologians have shaped modern economics and finance, writes Paul McNelis. It may be time for them to step in again.

A strong typhoon that barreled through the central Philippines left at least 20 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Pope Francis prayed that Jesus would "bring his smile, through our poor faces, to all the children of the world: to those who are abandoned and those who suffer violence.

This year marks an opportunity for Canadian Protestants to remember a time when they were deeply embedded in the labor movement. It also marks a labor anniversary important for Catholics in Canada. In 1949, miners walked off the job in dangerous asbestos mines in Quebec.

"In reality, Congress has been slow to pass legislation," said Anthony Granado, vice president for public policy for Catholic Charities USA.