U.S. & World News

The Easter liturgies -- with the fire, sharing of light from the paschal candle, the renewal of baptismal promises and the proclamation that Jesus has risen -- assure people that it is never too late to start again, Pope Francis said.

In my mind's eye, when I imagine Good Friday and the crucifixion, Christ is far removed. The cross is high above my head, high upon a hill and I must strain my neck to see him.

"The poll doesn't note that fewer than 50% of American's don't believe in God. It's important to note that across society institutional belonging is not high right now," said Timothy O'Malley, director of education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

"When people are driven out because their local environment has become uninhabitable, it might look like a process of nature, something inevitable," the pope wrote. "Yet the deteriorating climate is very often the result of poor choices and destructive activity, of selfishness and neglect, that set humankind at odds with creation, our common home."

"Can we still be moved by God's love? Have we lost the ability to be amazed by him?" the pope asked in his homily during Palm Sunday Mass, marking the start of Holy Week.

Sister Ramirez expressed particular concern for dozens of Hispanic families living south of Birmingham and in the town of Pelham. No injuries were reported, but homes were destroyed and people lost most of their possessions and clothing, she said.

A destroyed motorbike and the body parts of a man and a woman were found after the bombers attacked the main gate of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral around 10:30 a.m. March 28, reported ucanews.com.

At least 114 people were killed by security forces March 27, the bloodiest day since the military seized power Feb. 1, reported ucanews.com. The day has been labeled Bloody Saturday.