ROME, Feb. 3, 2010-- The tragic destruction of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas is an opportunity for Haiti and the world to rebuild a nation free from poverty and prejudice and based on justice and compassion, said the president of Caritas Haiti.

VATICAN, Feb. 3, 2010-- The key to a priest's efforts to evangelize is to live what he preaches and to resist the temptation of careerism, Pope Benedict XVI said.

"Isn't perhaps the temptation of a career, of power, a temptation to which even those who have a role of leadership and governance in the church are not immune?" the pope asked Feb. 3 at his weekly general audience.

ROME, Feb. 3, 2010-- The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano republished an interview on Wednesday detailing current research on a new source of stem cells that is being called "the future of medicine."

VATICAN, Feb. 3, 2010-- In commemoration of the World Day for the Sick, the basilica of St. Peter's will host pilgrims with illnesses from all parts of the globe. The celebration of the Mass will also mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Council for Health Ministry.

VATICAN, Feb. 3, 2010-- At the general audience this morning, the Holy Father was treated to a circus spectacular. Artists from the group "Circo Americano" pleasantly surprised everyone with a choreographed performance, which Pope Benedict happily applauded.

VATICAN, Feb. 3, 2010-- Those who minister the Word of God must be well prepared, and the "cultural dimension" of faith needs to be cultivated, says Benedict XVI.