As pope prepares to visit Holy Land, children study Aramaic

Despite push to keep alive the language Jesus spoke, fewer Christians live in area

• May 23, 2014

Pope's visit to Holy Land will be test of diplomacy

Pope has said visit is about celebrating improved relations between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but it comes amid continued tensions between Christians and Jews

• May 23, 2014

Climber who survived 70-foot fall into crevasse recalls "terror"

With a broken arm, four broken ribs, he shot video as he struggled to the surface

• May 23, 2014

Hull of British yacht found but no sign of missing crew

Cabin of overturned 40-foot boat was flooded, windows shattered

• May 23, 2014

U.S. suspends $3.5M in military aid to Thailand after coup

The declaration of the coup has underscored the limited leverage the U.S. has with Thailand, despite their longstanding ties

• May 23, 2014

Photos of the week

The best images from the week's news, May 16, 2014 - May 23, 2014

• May 23, 2014
• 60 photos

Iran cleric condemns "satanic" divorce parties

Senior cleric says Western phenomenon of holding parties to celebrate the dissolving of a marriage is a "poison" for Islamic society

• May 23, 2014

U.N.: Iran slashes stockpile of uranium closest to nuke-arms grade

U.N. says Iran has neutralized about 80 percent of its stockpile of higher-enriched uranium that could be used quickly for nuclear weapon

• May 23, 2014

S. Korea offers reward for sunken ferry's alleged owner

After disaster left 300 dead, hunt is on for mysterious billionaire with long history of scandals, including a mass suicide

• May 23, 2014

Putin: Russia will "respect" Ukraine election results

Moscow's recognition of nationwide elections significant, but comes as pro-Russian separatists threaten the vote in some eastern areas

• May 23, 2014

Belfast police to sue Boston College for tapes in bid to reopen cold cases

Northern Ireland police want audiotaped interviews of former militants in move designed to reopen scores of murder investigations

• May 23, 2014

Can the Pope please everyone in 1st visit to Holy Land?

Official theme of Francis' trip is "that they may be one," but in region defined by war and politics, that's more hope than realism

• May 23, 2014

3 missing after avalanche on world's 3rd highest peak

Sherpas and an Indian climber swept away, presumed dead after slide on Mount Kanchenjunga

• May 23, 2014

Head of Egypt's deadliest terror group killed

Officials say man in charge of Sinai-based group behind many attacks killed by gunmen to avenge slain tribesmen

• May 23, 2014

Syria mortar strike hits Assad election rally

Syrian president not present at rally in his honor as shell hits crowd in southern city of Daraa, where uprising against him began

• May 23, 2014

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