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It isn't just the Pentagon taking note of hypersonic weapons development and recent testing reportedly undertaken by China, Russia and North Korea.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and with restrictions on gatherings still in place in some countries, the Vatican has again extended the period of time when people can earn a plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the souls of the faithful in purgatory.

The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square this year will have a distinctly Indigenous, Andean look with the centerpiece being a "Hilipuska" baby Jesus, that is, one wrapped in a blanket bound with a long cord known as a "chumpi."

With the sign of the cross and a tug of a rope, Pope Francis blessed bells for parishes in Ukraine and Ecuador, praying that their peals would proclaim the sacredness of all human life.

When the Taliban began taking control of Afghanistan in mid-August, "in one night, everything changed," recalled Adam.

Africa's Catholic bishops have criticized the appropriation of land, natural resources and other economic assets by private companies and called on national governments to show greater concern for local community rights and needs.

Three Catholic priests in the Philippines have been permanently relieved of all priestly duties after they declared their intention to run for public office in elections next year, the Philippine bishops' conference said.

One of the most important "servants of life in the world" was the late French geneticist, Jérôme Lejeune, who dedicated his "scientific genius" to serving children with Down syndrome and their families, said the woman officially promoting his sainthood cause.

While much of the world has forgotten about the war in Syria and the extreme poverty plaguing most of its people, Pope Francis has not forgotten the Syrian people and the Christians there who continue to witness to the faith, said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches.

The beauty of faith comes from opening one's heart to love and not fixating on following rules and regulations, Pope Francis said.