The OECD reports that the share of children living in poor households has reached 12.7 percent among its member states.

Two-thirds of developing countries are on track or close to meeting targets for tackling extreme poverty and hunger.

The scholars Daniel Callahan and his wife, Sidney, were honored for their distinguished contribution to culture by the editors of America.

"John Paul II is blessed because of his faith—a strong, generous and apostolic faith," Pope Benedict said May 1 just minutes after formally beatifying his predecessor.

Official extortion and abuse are "one of the causes of the weariness and discouragement of our population," says Congo bishop.

The Catholic community continues efforts to prevent the needs of the poor from being heaped onto the pile of expendables.