Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio said that requiring personnel in military hospitals to perform abortions would place "a very heavy burden" on those who value human life.

Manoj Pradhan, a leader of anti-Christian violence that rocked India’s eastern Orissa state in 2008, was convicted of murder on June 29.

“Our purpose is to call an end to the siege of Gaza, to this illegal collective punishment of the whole civilian population,” said the expedition’s organizer.

According to the postulator for the sainthood of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, her cause is “still waiting for one more miracle.”

The grants are specifically designated for programs that provide a voice for fishermen and the communities affected by the spill.

Pope Benedict said that the upcoming Synod on the Middle East would “highlight the important value of the Christian presence and witness in the biblical lands.”