CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- The Zimbabwean government's crackdown on dissent terrifies people, the country's bishops said in a pastoral letter that also noted alarming levels of corruption.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe to independence from Britain in 1980 and then crushed his opposition during nearly four decades of rule, always liked to be seen as a devout Catholic.

NAIROBI, KENYA - More than two million people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi have been affected by a cyclone that has killed more than 700 people, with hundreds still missing in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe bishops' justice and peace commission is collecting information on violence and human rights abuses in dioceses across the country.

EDMONTON – On a wintry Sunday morning in an Edmonton church, Eve Masenda ties a blue chitenge — an African sarong-like garment — around her daughter’s waist before Mass begins. 

HARARE, Zimbabwe – As political protests in Zimbabwe have turned violent and even fatal, reportedly leaving at least 12 people dead, the bishops of the country have called for peaceful resolutions to the crisis.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The church in Zimbabwe said it is prepared to mediate between government and opposition leaders after six people were killed in violence that followed a disputed presidential election.

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe's church leaders called on the government to listen to the cries of its suffering citizens, warning that their grievances could "soon explode into civil unrest if not addressed."

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Violent protests in Zimbabwe reflect people's frustrations in extremely difficult times, a church official said.

PARIS - Thandiwe Chidararume, who farms sweet potato, nuts and corn in Zimbabwe, traveled nearly 5,000 miles to be in Paris for the U.N. climate change conference. She wanted to tell negotiators there of the problems she and thousands of other Zimbabwean farmers face due to adverse weather conditions.