Arab Christians Assess Election Results ISRAEL-- Though former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line Likud Party and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s more moderate Kadima Party both claimed victory in the Feb. 10 Israeli elections, a certain beneficiary of their virtual tie

Crisis Threatens Stability In Latin America While Latin American leaders initially struck a positive note in the face of the global economic downturn, most are now hurriedly drafting plans to create jobs, keep financial systems from collapsing and shore up social programs in the event of a prolonged

New Relief Effort on U.S./Mexico Border When Leoba Marcos crossed the Sonoran desert in northern Mexico earlier this year, she did not know what to expect. She made her way in early January with a group of about 20 people, including her husband, 13-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. It was the se

High Hopes for U.S./Vatican Diplomacy VATICAN CITY--While registering its disappointment over an early presidential decision to restore funding to programs that offer abortions overseas, the Vatican has struck a predominantly positive tone as it opens relations with the administration of President B

Obama Era Begins With Prayers WASHINGTON--The inauguration of President Barack Obama began and closed in the traditional way: with prayers. The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, delivered the invocation at the pre-inaugural celebration on Jan. 19, reminding thousands ga

Christians Pray, Plead for Peace GAZA--Msgr. Manuel Musallam, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, says Gaza is “drowning in blood” as its hospitals overflow with patients. In a message to participants read during a special Mass for peace at St. Stephen’s Church in Jerusale