Pope Benedict has expressed his condolences and solidarity with the suffering people of Pakistan.
As Christian charities and Catholic dioceses within the country continue with attempts to provide for the millions affected by flood waters, the Pontiff issued a telegram to the head of Pakistan's bishops' conference, Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore.
''The Holy Father commends the deceased to the Almighty'' and ''prays for all involved in providing assistance to the victims,'' the papal message said.
As floods continue to affect massive swathes of the country (the Indus river alone is now 18 miles wide), all Catholic dioceses are now engaged in supplying much needed supplies to the displaced, offering tents together with hygiene and kitchen kits. A number of Church charities, including Ireland's Trócaire and Caritas Internationalis are engaged in trying to restock much needed items as dioceses battle to meet demand.
''The destruction and human suffering caused by the floods is colossal,'' said a spokesperson for Caritas. ''Thousands have nothing left and are living in the open.''
Latest assessments by the United Nations indicate that the disaster is spreading in the country, and more heavy rains are forecast.
United States
Young Hispanics shun roots
A study within the Hispanic community has revealed that younger members of that community are drifting from their Catholic roots.
While showing that older Hispanics still identify themselves strongly as Catholic, the study, conducted by Univision and the Associated Press shows that, among the younger (18-29) grouping, 46 per cent said that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry while 49pc (of those who speak more English than Spanish) are in favour of legalised abortion.
Overall, the study, which has been shown to correspond to a 2009 poll undertaken by the Pew Research Centre revealed that, while 62pc of Hispanics identified themselves as Catholic, only 35pc attend weekly Mass.
Mexico
Guadalupe pilgrimage
The World Cup winning Spanish team has dedicated the famous trophy of the competition to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Transported by the Spanish Royal Federation of Soccer (SRFS), the trophy was last week brought to the Virgin's basilica in Mexico City where it was received by Msgr Monroy Ponce.
In a later homily, the monsignor said: ''We are very happy that the Spanish Royal Federation of Soccer has fulfilled its desire before Our Lady of Guadalupe, the mother of all.''
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a peasant man named Juan Diego in 1531, just a few years after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. After he told the local bishop of his vision, the image of Our Lady appeared on his tilma. This miracle led to the conversion of Mexico.
Juan Diego was canonised by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Malaysia
Guilty verdicts
Two men charged with an arson attack on a Christian church have been found guilty.
The men, Raja Muhammad Faizal Raja Ibrahim and Raja Muhammad Idzham Raja Ibrahim were originally arrested in January amid tensions between the Muslim and Christian communities over the use of the title 'Allah' in a Christian newspaper, a usage that was cleared by the courts. The row resulted in attacks on 11 churches, one Sikh temple, three mosques and two Muslim prayer rooms. The first of these was the Metro Tabernacle Church. When arrested, the two arsonists claimed that burns to their bodies had been caused at a barbeque, but this was rejected by the court. The charge of arson potentially brings a sentence of 20 years.
Morocco
Mosques to close
Authorities in the country have moved to close 1,250 mosques which have been deemed structurally unsafe. The move comes as a direct result of the fatal collapse of a minaret in Meknes in February in which 41 worshippers lost their lives. The ministry overseeing the examination and ultimate closures has said it envisages that at least 500 mosques will have to be completely demolished due to structural concerns.
Southern Africa
Milingo to head Church
The excommunicated former archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo is to lead the Ecumenical Catholic Apostolic Church of Peace in Africa's southern region, having been declared patriarch last week. Having served as Archbishop of Lusaka in Zambia, Milingo fell foul of Rome for taking a wife in a Moonie ceremony in 2001 before facing excommunication in 2009 for his part in the illicit consecration of bishops.
Pakistan
Christian protest
Christians have marched in the city of Lahore to protest at the country's blasphemy laws.
Called by a group called Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), the march is the result of ongoing use of the country's blasphemy laws against the minority Christian community. At a press conference after the march, a spokesman for HRFP called on the government to change the law, and also to make changes to the electoral system to allow minority groups to have representation in parliament.
Australia
MacKillop documentary
The History Channel has announced it is to screen a special documentary on the life and works of Blessed Mary Mackillop.
Blessed Mary: A Saint for All Australians will first screen in the country on October 10, and will then re-run on October 17 to coincide with the nun's canonisation in Rome. The programme will be made available on DVD from October 13.
