The bishops intend to observe not only the challenges facing the African
countries, but also the humanitarian work and the “fully alive” faith of
Christians in the region.

North Korea claims to guarantee freedom of religion but severely restricts religious observance, genuine religious freedom dose not exist in the
country.

Benedict XVI went on to
emphasize that joy must be the
mark that distinguishes a
Christian who knows the will of
God, because this law is also an
expression of God’s friendship,
it is the word that frees, that
gives strength and purifies.

In a sign that the Chinese
government may be taking a step
toward ending its oppressive
one-child policy, authorities in
Shanghai encouraging thousands
of couples to have a second baby
to offset the graying of the
Chinese population.

Missionaries of Charity around the world marked the 12th anniversary of the death of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, looking to next year’s 100th
anniversary of her birth.

He suggested that maybe it was part of God’s plan “to teach me
greater patience and humility.” On the bright side, the Pope noted, the
incident he gave him “more time for prayer and meditation.”

A fragment of the Biblical text considered to be one of the two most
ancient in the world, the Codex Sinaiticus, was discovered by chance
recently in St. Catherine’s monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai in Egypt.

Encouraging them to bear witness to Jesus Christ, the Pope urged
them both to help bring
discussion of God back into
the classroom and to overcome
materialist worldviews.

Benedict XVI’s message for the
next World Day of Peace, which
will be celebrated Jan. 1,
focuses on the connection
between protecting creation and
building peace.

As Benedict XVI urges developed nations to stop cutting aid to less
developed ones, a study notes that private giving is actually on the
rise, especially in the United States.