VATICAN CITY, Oct 2, 2008 (CNA) .- Bishops and other clergy from Kazakhstan and Central Asia, a region with few Catholics, met with Pope Benedict this morning at the Vatican. The Holy Father encouraged the prelates to "keep the flame of faith alive among the Christian people" and spoke about the dangers of religious fundamentalism.

SCRANTON, PA, Oct 2, 2008 (CNA) .- Bishop Joseph F. Martino of the Diocese of Scranton has directed a pastoral letter on pro-life matters to be read at all weekend Masses of the upcoming Respect Life Weekend, saying Catholic efforts on such issues have “more significance than ever.” Discussing the societal breakdown in the wake of the sexual revolution, Bishop Martino explains Catholic teaching, and pledges “vigilance” in correcting Catholic pro-abortion rights public figures.

ROME, Oct 2, 2008 (CNA) .- As the eightieth anniversary of its October 2, 1928 founding approaches, Opus Dei is producing an Italian TV cartoon and mini-series on the life of its founder St. Josemaria Escriva.

PORTLAND, Oct 2, 2008 (CNA) .- The Archbishop of Portland, Oregon John G. Vlazny is lamenting the fact that Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has become “a source of embarrassment for our church and a scandal for the Catholic community” by hosting of a “political gala” for NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon this coming Friday.