Lebanese parliament based on sectarian distribution of power

A new parliament to be elected in Lebanon on Sunday will be apportioned among Christian and Muslim sects under a power-sharing formula that also divvies up Lebanon’s main leadership positions by religion.

Honorary degree for Donna Brazile prompts New Orleans archbishop to boycott Xavier graduation

NEW ORLEANS — The leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans will boycott commencement ceremonies at Xavier University because the institution is honoring Democratic Party strategist Donna Brazile, who supports abortion rights.

Settlement talks called upbeat over control of polygamous church’s property trust

SALT LAKE CITY — Settlement talks in a yearslong battle for control of a polygamous church’s property trust ended upbeat Wednesday evening with all sides talking and trying to work out disagreements, the mediator said.

Settlement talks under way over control of polygamous church’s property trust

SALT LAKE CITY — Negotiations are under way in a yearslong battle for control of a polygamous church property trust seized by the Utah courts in 2005 after allegations of mismanagement.

Woman says Paraguayan President Lugo has third child; named after late Pope John Paul II

ASUNCION, Paraguay — A third woman came forward Wednesday claiming Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo is the father of her child — this one a 16-month-old boy she named after late Pope John Paul II.

Vatican to help restore art damaged in central Italy quake

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican will help restore paintings, statues and other artworks damaged in the earthquake that devastated central earlier this month.

Bishop: Paraguay Church covered up parishioners’ complaints that Lugo fathered their children

ASUNCION, Paraguay — A Roman Catholic bishop alleged Tuesday that Paraguay’s president resigned from his church leadership position in 2004 after at least two women in his parish wrote to a Vatican official that he had fathered their children.