Holy Week in Pakistan this year was set against a backdrop of suicide bombings that have killed Catholic workers.

A group of Palestinian Christians, Muslims and some Jewish supporters managed to breach the tight security separating Bethlehem and Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Twice during Holy Week liturgies, the pope was caught unawares when his aides spoke passionately about the barrage of criticism the pontiff has faced. 

L'Osservatore Romano hailed the new U.S.-Russia disarmament treaty on April 7 as a "significant and courageous step toward international security"

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.