The number of Catholics in the world, as well as the number of deacons, priests and bishops all increased in 2009, while the number of women in religious orders continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics.

Evangelization will be effective only when the people spreading the Gospel truly believe and live Christ's message themselves, Pope Benedict said.

Classical music is underappreciated for its spiritual contribution to the Church, the metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church said Feb. 9.

Representatives of Catholic organizations at the recently concluded World Social Forum said that massive investment in large tracts of land across Africa involving foreign capital — a practice detractors call "land-grabbing" — is pushing small farmers off their land and threatens to lead to another worldwide food crisis.

Eighty years ago, a persistent pope and a scientific pioneer teamed up to create Vatican Radio, launching an evangelization tool that reached virtually every corner of the globe.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston washes the feet of a priestly sexual abuse survivor during the Liturgy of Lament and Repentance at Dublin's Pro-Cathedral Feb. 20.

Quoting Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki issued a statement Feb. 16 that came down squarely in favour of workers' rights in the face of efforts by Wisconsin's new governor to restrict those rights.

Much to his chagrin, Hindu painter Venkataswami Logaguru never had the chance to see Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as she ministered to some of the city's poorest residents.

Young women wave during Pope Benedict's general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 16.

Part 2 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church deals with liturgy and sacraments — The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. WCR Editor Glen Argan has written 42 articles exploring various aspects of that part of the Catechism.