"For millions of American workers and their families, economic hardship continues and grows," said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif.

Oregon’s Gov. John Kitzhaber pledged to maintain a moratorium on the death penalty for the rest of his term.

Sixty-six percent of Catholic Charities agencies saw an increase in requests for assistance from families with children.

The team will also be responsible for the further study of liturgical music and singing.

Pope Benedict XVI urged international leaders meeting in Durba, South Africa to reach a credible agreement on climate change.

The move marks a break with a cluster of recent ordinations made without Vatican consent.