NATION/WORLD

Laughingly describing himself as America's most famous Catholic, Stephen Colbert headlined the 68th annual dinner of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation held Oct. 17.

Seminarians, Vatican guards, Olympic champs, regular children and people with disabilities all took part in a morning "Race of Faith" to highlight how the church can help foster a world of sport that better respects human dignity. The 100-meter relay race was part of the Pontifical Council for Culture's promotion of the Year of Faith.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- While a bill asking the U.S. defense secretary to address the situation worked its way through Congress, contracted military chaplains were being prevented from offering Catholic religious services during the government shutdown, argued a lawsuit filed in District Court in Washington Oct. 14.

Before a congregation of more than 100,000 in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis formally entrusted the world to Mary.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Most U.S. Catholics are not looking for spirituality online, in fact, half of them are unaware the church even has an online presence, according to researchers at Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.

A Nebraska priest inspires the use of secondhand stores to help locals bring new life to empty buildings, help local communities and raise money for interfaith projects.

At least eight members of Congress were among 200 people arrested in an act of civil disobedience Oct. 8, at the conclusion of a rally and march in support of comprehensive immigration reform at the National Mall.

Pope Francis thanked the Knights of Columbus for being in solidarity with him, something he said is seen not only in the money they give for his charities, but also in their prayers, sacrifices and charitable activities.

Fourteen Nicaraguan children without parents or other relatives to care for them are making their way through Arizona and California to meet and thank their distant godparents whose financial support helps meet their basic needs. The children, ages 9 to 25, are all part of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. The nearly 60-year-old nonprofit, started by an Arizona native turned priest, is led by staff and volunteers who are raising some 3,300 children in nine countries.

The predicament of divorced and remarried Catholics will be a major topic of discussion when bishops from around the world meet at the Vatican in October 2014.