Holy Father Appoints Two Bishops for Detroit Archdiocese

ROME—Pope Benedict XVI named two Michigan priests as auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Congratulations to Msgr. Donald F. Hanchon, 63, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit and 52 year-old Fr. Michael Byrnes, pastor of the city's Our Lady of Victory Parish.

Study Links Religious Intolerance to Attacks on Priests

MEXICO CITY—The Catholic Multimedia Center in Mexico published a study on violence against priests, religious and laity over the past 17 years. The research suggests a relation between religious discrimination and violence against religious people.

The study noted that murders of priests “stem from violent aggression carried out by isolated groups who profess deep feelings of intolerance and religious discrimination.”

"In 2010 alone, more than 1,000 priests were victims of extortion, and some 162 priests received death threats,” the report highlights.

According to the research, Mexico continues to be the second most dangerous country for priests in Latin America.

Holy Land Franciscans Launch New Website

JERUSALEM—Catering to pilgrimages, Custodia.org offers information about the sacred sites in the Holy Land.

The Vatican has entrusted the Franciscans with “custody” of the Holy Land preserving Catholic sanctuaries in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus and Rhodes throughout the last 800 years.

The new website is available in six languages.  Check it out: www.custodia.org