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.
Several legislative challenges to crucial domestic and international anti-poverty programs were turned back in 2011.
A persistent drought is forcing farmers to abandon traditional rain-reliant practices.
The ruling ensures that the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of religion shields churches from laws meant to end employment discrimination.
While economic growth in Latin America continues, many of its poorest citizens complain the benefits have passed them by.
An emergency decree came in response to four days of bombing attacks around Christmas that killed and wounded hundreds.