Bishop Gassis' visits came in the middle of decades of on-again, off-again fighting between the central government and several rebel movements in the South and other peripheral areas of the country.

Developments on the Korean peninsula have inspired a degree of shock and awe in diplomatic circles.

In April scores have died in a series of attacks and assassinations in Mexico, the Philippines and Nigeria. Catholics at prayer during Mass have been targeted in a number of attacks.

On May 17, 1968, nine Catholic peace activists burned draft files in an act of protest against the Vietnam War. This excerpt from America’s report of the trial (10/26/68) relates a “most unusual colloquy” between the defendants and the judge.

Benjamin Netanyahu deserves no hearing on the Iranian agreement until Israel goes public about its own nuclear program.

The pope is praying especially for peace in Syria, Nigeria and the Koreas.