VATICAN CITY - Condemning deadly terrorist attacks against a Catholic and an Anglican church in Pakistan, Pope Francis said "the world is trying to hide" a wave of anti-Christian persecution in various parts of the globe.

TORONTO - Despite a tiny budget and a microscopic staff buried deep within the bureaucracy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett insists his efforts to promote religious freedom around the world can make a real difference over time.

OTTAWA - Canada's Catholic bishops are pressing both the Canadian and Sudanese governments for the release of a Christian woman condemned to death for apostasy from Islam.

Updated 02/22/13

With a nod to slain Pakistani cabinet minister Shahbaz Bhatti, Prime Minister Stephen Harper inaugurated the long-awaited Office of Religious Freedom by appointing a Catholic scholar and public servant as its first-ever ambassador.