BERLIN ¬ Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and appealed for a better understanding of the church, one that goes beyond current controversies and the failings of its members.Read More

VATICAN CITY – At first glance, the scholarly Pope Benedict XVI – sometimes dubbed “the pope of reason” – might seem an unlikely devotee of St. Francis of Assisi, the mystic friar of simple faith.Read More

WASHINGTON - A delegation of Christian and Muslim leaders returned to the United States from Iran hoping that their six-day visit will improve relations between the two squabbling countries in a way that diplomatic channels have not.Read More

NEW YORK – Archbishop Timothy J. Dolan predicted his style as New York’s archbishop will differ from that of his predecessors, but the substance will be the same.Read More

With the memory of 9/11 still an aching scar on the nation’s psyche, and in the wake of the many recent natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, the government and people of the United States must develop a “culture of resiliency” in order to successfully absorb future onslaughts.Read More

WASHINGTON – Instead of taking a typical vacation on a tropical beach, more college students are choosing alternative spring-break service trips to help the poor in the United States and around the world.Read More

Ice hockey might be fast-paced and even brutal at times, but the winter sport has elicited a warm response from fans and players.Read More

WASHINGTON – Parishioners from 31 groups in eight U.S. dioceses have joined forces to ask the Vatican to suspend parish closings and to instruct bishops to negotiate the closures with local Catholics.Read More