They allege that “Vatican officials tolerate and enable the systematic and widespread concealing of rape and child sex crimes throughout the world.”

An estimated 73 percent of the population in affected areas say that they will have access to food for less than two months.

The suffering in Gaza remains widespread despite the easing of the Israeli blockade in 2010, say U.N. and church officials.

Indiana's educational scholarship program was passed by the state legislature in the spring.

Havana’s Ladies in White asked the Catholic Church to mediate on their behalf with Cuba’s President Raul Castro to counter rising political harassment.

The Vatican forcefully denied undermining efforts by Irish bishops to protect children from sexual abuse.