Vatican authorities emphasized that it was the pope who, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, pushed for harsher measures against abusers.

A Vatican commission expressed the hope that bishops and priests deprived of freedom would be allowed to resume their pastoral ministry.

Two pending federal lawsuits seek to pull the Vatican into U.S. courts over claims that it is liable for damages to victims of sexual abuse by priests

Catholic officials condemned the slayings of 10 young people in the state of Durango and suspended long-running Holy Week missionary programs.

Vulnerable populations affected by wars and internal conflicts were among the major concerns highlighted in the report.

More than 26 groups say their calls for a new model of development in Haiti are being ignored.