The Iraqi Council of Christian Church Leaders was pleased with the level of public participation in the recent elections.

Palestinians are frustrated by excessive presence of Israeli police and numerous barricades during Holy Week.

A German-born bishop who headed a prelature in Norway admitted that his resignation last year was linked to the sexual abuse of a minor.

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.