At a weekly public audience earlier this year, the pope underscored one of his characteristic themes: the countercultural implications of membership in the church.

Zimbabwe’s general elections took place peacefully and have put the country “on the path to a democratic dispensation,” said Father Frederick Chiromba, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Nigerians who live in areas targeted by Islamist insurgents Boko Haram must be observant and vigilant about happenings around them, said a bishop in an area hit by recent bombings.

A committee of religious and civic leaders said a South Sudanese rebel leader was being supported by a foreign government in an effort to destabilize the young nation.

Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive “the grace of shame” for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord.

When Pope Francis told reporters July 28, “Who am I to judge” a homosexual person, he was emphasizing a part of Catholic teaching often overlooked by the media and misunderstood by many people.

Irish pro-life campaigners vowed to work to repeal a new law that permits abortion in limited circumstances. President Michael D. Higgins signed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill July 30 after tense parliamentary debates during which several legislators resigned.

An overemphasis on “personal well-being” and general indifference have eroded any sense of responsibility toward others, especially toward the poor, said a note from the Vatican announcing Pope Francis’ choice of a theme for World Peace Day 2014.

The war in Syria is like a factory churning out nothing but death, destruction and suffering, said Archbishop Mario Zenari, Vatican nuncio to Syria. Even though the Vatican was unable to confirm July 30 news reports that a Jesuit priest had been kidnapped in Syria, the nuncio said hundreds of innocent people there find themselves abducted for political leverage or economic extortion.

At least 38 pilgrims were killed on their way home from the Padre Pio shrine when their bus plunged off an elevated highway. Another 19 people were reported seriously injured, including passengers of nearby vehicles. Only 11 people were pulled alive from the wreckage, Vatican Radio and other news outlets reported.