U.S. diplomats have for years been pressing the Vatican for stronger public support of genetically modified foods but have made little headway, according to documents released through WikiLeaks.

In an unusually strongly worded statement, the Vatican said the recent election of new Church leaders by government-controlled Catholic groups in China and the illicit ordination of a Chinese bishop have “unilaterally damaged” hopes of improved relations with China.

Pope Benedict plans to make four foreign trips in 2011, including one to his German homeland and a three-day visit to the African country of Benin.

A newly released chapter of the Murphy Report into the handling of clergy sex abuse allegations in the Archdiocese of Dublin between 1975 and 2004 shows Cardinal Desmond Connell “begged” Pope John Paul II to dismiss an abusive priest from the priesthood.

Costa Rica is under pressure to overturn its ban on in vitro fertilization — and as a result abandon long-held Catholic teaching — or risk sanctions for violating international accords on human rights.

Pope Benedict reads a book during his visit to the Vatican Library at the Vatican Dec. 18.

Mary holds the child Jesus in this painting by Benozzo Gozzoli.

EDMONTON — Tim Spelliscy volunteers alongside Marc Barylo and marvels, "He works and works and works and always wants to sit in the background. He is not just a hard worker and high achiever, he is humble." more . . .

The WCR Revisioning Survey received a remarkable response, for which we thank you. The final data set included 1,831 different surveys. This is several times more than would be expected for a study of this kind, and we are very grateful. more . . .

EDMONTON — The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton is embarking on a long-term plan to renew the Church and pass on the faith to future generations.

The 25-year pastoral plan is based on three simple pillars — to know, love and serve God — and places heavy emphasis on lay formation and service. more . . .