A U.S. nationwide poll showed
that almost all Americans
think abortion should be
restricted. The largest
percentage—32%--chose the
statement saying abortion
should be allowed only in case
of rape, incest or to save the
life of the mother.

As the U.S. presidential elections approach, the nation’s bishops are
seeking new ways to reach citizens with guidelines for voting according
to conscience.

Each of the two sides in the meeting was represented by 24 participants and 5 advisers who discussed the two great themes of “theological and spiritual foundations” and “human dignity and mutual respect”.

Pope Benedict XVI called on the French people to engage in a new level
openness to the Church, one which recognizes the “irreplaceable role”
of religion in forming consciences and in creating a “basic ethical
consensus within society.”

As the world faces an economic crisis, Benedict XVI is encouraging that
particular attention be paid to society’s weakest families and
individuals. The Pope stressed this need in a message for the World Day to Overcome Extreme poverty, celebrated each Oct. 17 since 1992.

The President of the Vatican bank Angelo Caloia has stated that its
deposits are safe from the global financial crisis. Speaking in an
interview released Monday by Famiglia Cristiana magazine, Caloia
said that the bank only makes safe investments.

Benedict XVI is underscoring the importance of his apostolic trips in 2008—to the United States, France and Australia. He said the apostolic journeys were about the “presence of the word of God, of God himself in the current moment of history, the purpose of these trips can only be to serve this presence of God.”

Addressing the issue of the
financial crisis affecting the
United States and the rest of the
world, the president of the
Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace, Cardinal Renato Martino,
called on society this week to
remember that the human person
should be at the center of the world economy.

Benedict XVI is encouraging the president-elect of the United States to “build a world of peace, solidarity and justice.”The Holy Father promises Obama his prayers so that God assists him in his “weighty
responsibilities at the service of the nation and the international
community.”

An interactive online poll of likely voters conducted in the aftermath of the announcement of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Sen. John McCain’s running mate reports that most respondents believe the Palin pick will help
McCain, as do Catholic respondents in particular.