• Violence Escalates Among Christian, Muslim Groups in Central African Republic Ahead of Pope Francis Visit

  Armed men in the capital of Central African Republic slit a person's throat and set fire to scores of homes, in a cycle of violence that could further delay elections and prevent a visit this month by Pope Francis.

  

• Japan's Abe Seeking U.S., South Korea Cooperation Over South China Sea

  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told South Korea's president on Monday he wanted cooperation between the two countries and the United States in maintaining an open and peaceful South China Sea, a Japanese government spokesman said.

  

• Pope Francis Hints Visit To Central African Republic May Be Cancelled Amid Escalating Christian, Muslim Violence

  Pope Francis indicated on Sunday that his planned visit to the Central African Republic this month could be canceled if violence between Christians and Muslims there worsens.

  

• In Historic Move, U.S. Episcopal Church Installs Its First Black Presiding Bishop

  Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina was inducted on Sunday as the first black leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church during a ceremony in the nation's capital where he called for economic and racial unity.

  

• Vatican Arrests Priest, Laywoman Suspected of Leaking Confidential Documents

  The Vatican said on Monday two members of a commission that Pope Francis set up to study Church reforms had been arrested on suspicion of leaking confidential documents to the media.