Vatican City
Pope Benedict XVI called for a Middle East peace agreement that is "respectful of the legitimate aspirations" of Israelis and Palestinians, during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

United States
Mother Teresa is being recognized for her humanitarian work with the issuance of a new US postage stamp.

Great Britain
London's archbishop has distanced himself from an aide who said gay rights and the commercialisation of sex had turned Britain into a "selfish, hedonistic wasteland."

Malta
The bishops of Malta have urged the faithful to contribute to the divorce debate but warned against the dangers of embarking on "crusades."

Germany
The Catholic Church in Germany has issued tougher guidelines on the handling of reports of sex abuse in an attempt to prevent further cases being covered up.

Washington
The Diocese of Spokane is broaching a consequence of its bankruptcy once thought unthinkable: the sale of churches to pay victims of clergy sex abuse.

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