Vatican City, Jul 10, 2014 / 11:53 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Pontifical Council for Culture launched an effort designed to unite the world in asking for peace in warring countries by observing a moment of silence during the final game of the World Cup.

“Sports were born around religious festivities. Sporting events were moments of peace when wars ceased, as for the Olympic truce,” Msgr. Melchor Sanchez de Toca y Alameda said July 10 for the launch of the campaign.

Vatican City, Jul 9, 2014 / 02:15 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In a declaration issued by the Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land, Church leaders decried ongoing violence in the region, criticizing leaders’ closed-mindedness, and calling for peaceful negotiations.

“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more,” the July 8 declaration opened, quoting the prophet Jeremiah.

Vatican City, Jul 9, 2014 / 06:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During a recent event discussing the origin and implementation of European hate-speech laws, lawyers argued that the “ill-conceived” laws pose a danger to free speech and often stifle constructive dialogue.

Vatican City, Jul 8, 2014 / 11:07 am (CNA/EWTN News).- More than 20 Korean celebrities have come together in making a music video honoring Pope Francis’ upcoming visit, and is an initiative they hope will help to overcome religious differences.

“I thought that if we united in praying for others (through this song), it would be the most beautiful flower bouquet that we could give to the pope when he arrives,” actor Ahn Sung-ki, who organized the event, stated in a July 7 news conference releasing the video.