After four torturous years of negotiations, a stunning referendum rejection, last-minute compromises and two signing ceremonies, Colombia has ratified a peace deal.

Hunger is so severe in drought-ridden southern Madagascar that many people in remote villages have eaten almost nothing but cactus fruit for up to four years.

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski remembered the former leader of Cuba and prayed for peace.

Support from Europe and the United States has helped calm some fears related to neighboring Russia, said Archbishop Gintaras Grusas.

The Lakota prayer over water has become a rallying cry in the mass action to prevent the construction of a crude oil pipeline near their reservation.

The pope said there was a "weak response" in most international policies to promoting the common good.