It is foolish to think eliminating the death penalty is the “final step” to civilizing the world (CR, July 17). Each generation faces a world under Satan’s influence. The final step is dying with Christ.Read More

VATICAN CITY – Amnesty International named the Vatican in its annual report on human rights’ concerns for not sufficiently complying with international mandates on protecting children from abuse.Read More

SYDNEY, Australia – Pope Benedict XVI’s first pastoral visit to Australia concluded July 21 with a farewell ceremony at Sydney’s international airport, where he told an audience of invited guests, including church and civic officials, how much he had enjoyed his July 12-21 stay.Read More

NEW YORK – A poignant Mother’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Church, one block from ground zero in lower Manhattan, paid tribute to Gold Star mothers, women whose sons or daughters died in military service. It also honored those lost on Sept. 11.Read More

SYDNEY, Australia – Differences among Christians and between Christians and other religions cannot be ignored, but they also cannot be an excuse to stop dialogue, Pope Benedict XVI told religious leaders in Sydney.Read More

WASHINGTON - The House has approved a bill that would make the Hyde Amendment permanent, limit tax deductions for the cost of an abortion and block other potential use of federal funds for any clinic or doctor who offers abortions.Read More

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., led other pro-life lawmakers in the House in calling for Congress to end federal funds for Planned Parenthood and other family planning organizations that provide abortions.Read More

LAHORE, Pakistan – A retired archbishop said Pakistani Christians could suffer a backlash after the death of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, but it also might return balance to the nation.Read More