UK foreign aid money helped fund pope's visit
British lawmakers have demanded an explanation Wednesday into why 1.85 million pounds ($2.99 million) of foreign aid money helped pay for the pope's recent visit to the U.K.

Marriage is not an absolute right
Pope Benedict XVI told priests Saturday to do a better job counseling would-be spouses to ensure their marriages last and said no one has an absolute right to a wedding.

Pope John Paul II moves a step closer to sainthood
During Pope John Paul II's 2005 funeral, crowds at the Vatican shouted for him to be made a saint immediately. "Santo subito!" they chanted for one of the most important and beloved pontiffs in history.

Anglican leader focuses on 'big picture' in New Year
The leader of the world's Anglicans said people needed to reflect on the "big picture" in 2011, however remote it might seem as they battle personally with the global financial downturn's repercussions

Pope: Church must reflect on what allowed abuse
Pope Benedict XVI told Vatican officials Monday that they must reflect on the church's culpability in its child sex-abuse scandal, but he also blamed a secular society in which he said the mistreatment of children was frighteningly common.

Jewish ritual sparks bomb scare on New Zealand ferry
A religiously devout Israeli tourist sparked a bomb scare on a New Zealand ferry when he strapped boxes to himself as part of a Jewish prayer ritual, reports said Monday.

Pope says condoms acceptable 'in certain cases': book
Pope Benedict XVI says that condom use is acceptable "in certain cases", notably to reduce the risk of HIV infection, in a book due out Tuesday, apparently softening his once hardline stance.

Annual hajj reaches its peak at Arafat
Some two million Muslim pilgrims descended on Monday from Mount Arafat, concluding the highlight of the hajj and beginning a slow trip back to Mecca to finish the annual pilgrimage.

Pope warns of 'aggressive' anti-priest culture in Spain
Pope Benedict XVI warned of a return to 1930s-style "aggressive" anti-clericism in Spain and urged Europe to embrace God as he embarked on a two-day visit.