Rome must acknowledge the “depth of anger and hurt” provoked by the apostolic visitation of American nuns, a Vatican official said.

The Vatican said the recent election of new church leaders by government-controlled Catholic groups in China have "unilaterally damaged" hopes of improved relations.

Infringements on the freedom of religion threaten peace worldwide as well as stifle authentic human development, the pope said.

Bishop Hubbard called the New Start treaty a “modest step toward a world with greater respect for human life.”

The current outbreak of cholera has aggravated an already difficult situation for Haitians, the bishops said.

Eight bishops in communion with Pope Benedict XVI laid their hands on Father Guo, whose ordination was illicit in the eyes of the church.