MANILA, July 30, 2010—For environmental advocates, President Benigno Aquino’s first State of the Nation address should have included specifics on how his government will work to protect the nation’s ecology.

MANILA, July 30, 2010—Environmentalists called on all barangay officials to lead their constituents in mitigating the effects of climate change by adopting a zero waste resource management.

Around 42,000 barangay officials are gathered today at the SM Mall of Asia Convention Center in Pasay City for the Third National Convention of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LBP).

MANILA, July 30, 2010— A Catholic bishop has asked President Benigno Aquino III to intervene personally in a dispute over plans by the country’s flag carrier to restructure program that could affect thousands of workers.

MANILA, July 29, 2010— The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said the new system of automated elections should be replicated in the 2013 presidential elections.

PPCRV chairperson Henrietta de Villa said the automation will improve the quality of elections as it did last May 10.

ROME, July 27, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Nothing can compare to a visit to Rome to admire the Sistine Chapel in person, or feel the "embrace" of the colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square.

But a two-year project accomplished by students of the Villanova University of Pennsylvania can bring part of the "Rome experience" into your home.

VATICAN, July 27, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Antonio Mennini, until now the Pope's representative to the Russian Federation, is now the Holy See's first apostolic nuncio to the country, the Vatican is reporting.

VATICAN, July 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is planning to visit Carpineto Romano, the birthplace of Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, who became Pope Leo XIII.

L'Osservatore Romano reported today that the Pope will make the visit on Sept. 5 to mark the bicentenary of his predecessor's birth.

VATICAN, July 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appears to be relaxed and enjoying his days of vacation at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, says the local bishop.

Bishop Marcello Semeraro told Vatican Radio that he saw the Pope "relaxed, happy" when the Pontiff was greeting the faithful on Sunday for the midday Angelus.

LONDON, England, July 28, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- The importance of Great Britain's relationship with the Holy See could surprise critics during the papal visit there this fall. In spite of the complications in planning the joint state and pastoral visit, the U.K.'s special representative for the occasion is predicting it will be a "terrific success."

VATICAN, July 28, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- Similarities between the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal John Henry Newman are detailed in Wednesday's edition of Il Foglio. According to the author, at least one major element unites their thought - their aversion to a relativistic society.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, July 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- As a part of his vacation at the pontifical summer palace Castel Gandolfo, Benedict XVI watched a documentary today on the first five years of his pontificate.

The film, titled "Fünf Jahre Papst Benedikt" (Five Years: Pope Benedict XVI), is a production of Bayerischer Rundfunk, a public broadcaster in Bavaria, Germany.

VATICAN, July 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI today watched a film about the first five years of his pontificate. Meanwhile the Vatican published the first part of a 2010 review, emphasizing some of the most noteworthy events that marked the papal schedule.

January started off with the 43rd World Day of Peace message, focused on "If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation."

VATICAN, July 29, 2010 (CNS) -- The head of the Vatican's missionary office urged bishops and priests in China to live simply, show kindness to all people and continue working for the unity of the Catholic community on the mainland.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, JulY 30, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- Nobody could lead the Church without the assistance of God, said Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday.