UNITED NATIONS – Saying poverty is the greatest challenge facing humanity, the Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations called on nations to seek solutions to poverty not only based on economics but to also address personal, social and environmental factors that contribute to it.

CARACAS, Venezuela – The bishops of Venezuela have urged that elections take place in the country in a timely manner, in light of the crisis of hyperinflation and chronic shortages of goods facing their nation.

MANAGUA, Nicaragua - Catholic Church representatives in Nicaragua are concerned about the potential social and environmental impact of building a 278-km-long canal through the country to link the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.