Afghanistan

In the spotlight: Pope’s visit to L’Aquila, new cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI, Ukraine

In the spotlight: Pallium blessing, Congolese community Mass, Afghan earthquake

In the spotlight: Roe v. Wade decision, World Meeting of Families, restoring earthquake-damaged artwork

“CRS has been working on a response to this climate-induced drought over the past two years. But the rest of the world is only waking up to the fact that we have the worst climate-induced drought in the world right now — the worst in living memory in Afghanistan,” said Kevin Hartigan, the Middle East regional director of Catholic Relief Services.

Father Giovanni Scalese was among thousands of foreigners who fled the country in the run-up to the full withdrawal of U.S. forces in August. The Italian priest landed in Rome along with five Missionaries of Charity nuns and 14 orphaned and disabled children and young adults in their care.

In the spotlight: Papal visit to Slovakia, SpaceX launch, beatifications

In the spotlight: Pope’s overseas trip, refugee awareness, remembering 9/11, Labor Day Encuentro

The 20-year American military presence in Afghanistan had hoped to bring stability and an end to its use as a terrorist sanctuary, but the tumultuous exit has laid open fears for the future.