The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You

JERUSALEM (CNS): European and North American bishops meeting in the Holy Land from January 12-15, criticised Israel over the construction of a security wall and condemned the Palestinian terrorism that Israel cites as the reason for the wall...

WASHINGTON (CNS): Nearly 90 per cent of US Catholic dioceses were in compliance with the bishops' national policy to protect children and respond to clergy sexual abuse of minors, according to the first national audit report released on January 6...

VATICAN CITY (CNS): In his annual "state of the world" address to diplomats, Pope John Paul II urged the international community to help Iraqis "retake the reins" of their country and establish a democracy that reflects their aspirations...

ROME (CNS): Engineers at the US space agency NASA weren't the only people thrilled at the successful landing of the Spirit probe on Mars...

The diaconate is set to receive a higher profile in Australia following a national conference of deacons. FR BILL O'SHEA reports on what the conference discussed and what this will mean for the Church in Australia:.

VATICAN CITY (CNS): Those responsible for the murder of the Vatican's ambassador to Burundi are guilty of "the sin of sacrilege" and should be brought to justice, the bishops of Burundi said...

VATICAN CITY (CNS): The Vatican reacted quietly to news of Saddam Hussein's capture last week, with Church officials in Rome predicting that Iraq still has a rough road ahead...

VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope John Paul II blessed figurines of Jesus and asked children to pray for him at Christmas...

For many refugees on Temporary Protection Visas, their first Christmas celebrations in Australia are tinged with fear. Reporter PETER BUGDEN explains why.