Supporters of the initiative see minarets as political symbols and signs of an increasing Islamic presence in Switzerland.
The Missionaries of Charity have launched a year of programs celebrating the centennial in 2010 of the birth of Blessed Mother Teresa, the order’s founder.
Vatican media have presented the pope as a trained diplomat who followed the international events carefully.
The convictions of six people on charges related to anti-Christian violence have "strengthened our people's morale," the local bishop said.
Leaders representing 59,000 women religious are questioning what they call a lack of full disclosure about what is motivating the Vatican’s visitation.
Christians are not seen as integral members of society, “as citizens, with the same rights and duties” as the majority but as “a people apart.”
The new translation will serve the majority of Spanish-speaking Catholics who cannot understand current Spanish translations of the Bible.