While economic growth in Latin America continues, many of its poorest citizens complain the benefits have passed them by.

At least 161 people were indicted and nine were killed in extrajudicial executions in 2011 because of accusations of blasphemy.

The millions of refugees and migrants in the world "are looking for a place they can live in peace,” Pope Benedict XVI said on Jan. 15.

Two years later the recovery continues from a devastating earthquake.

For decades the U.S. bishops have supported a decent minimum wage for U.S. workers in keeping with church teaching on a just wage.

In recent years progress has been made on improving the affordability of Catholic schools by school voucher programs and tuition tax credits.