The Vatican called Irans president's recent remarks about Israel at a U.N. conference on racism as extremist and unacceptable

The church teaches that "every life has value and dignity. That is a given," said Andy Rivas, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference during a Feb. 24 program at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington. Rivas helped devise a program of events in Texas in November that sought

The bishop cited a principle often credited to St. Augustine: "In essential things unity, in doubtful things liberty, but in all things love.

"There will be nothing expected of you but your presence and your willingness to pray with me," said Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik.

The diocese recently announced a new initiative to encourage area Catholics to conserve water and energy.

An estimated 150,000 ethnic Tamils are still trapped in a small patch of Tamil-controlled area in the northeast of the island country.