Japan

In the spotlight: Scenes from the Ukraine-Russia war, Japan earthquake, St. Patrick’s Day parade

“Mature themes aside, ‘A Samurai in the Vatican’ is free of objectionable material and makes for highly informative and educational viewing. Teens as well as grown-ups will profit from learning about the important episode in diplomatic and religious history the show seeks to rescue from oblivion.”

In the spotlight: Ministry of consolation, tsunami anniversary, migrant farewell

“Our parishioners have been feeling very disconnected, not being able to be together at Mass or share in sacraments with family members. But creating our own 1,000-crane chain, each with a prayer, could help us feel like a community again.”

Pope Francis has sent a donation to the families of the missing crew members of the cargo ship, which capsized off the coast of Japan Sept. 2.

Beauty, creation and each human life are gifts of God to be treasured and shared, not enslaved to current societal ideas of what is valuable, perfect or productive, Pope Francis said at a Mass in the famous Tokyo Dome.

Directed and co-written (with Jay Cocks) by Martin Scorsese, “Silence” (Paramount) is a dramatically powerful but theologically complex work best suited to viewers who come to the multiplex prepared to engage with serious issues.