°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ

His comments are an apparent confirmation of reports in Italian media that the Vatican denied in February.

When visiting San Pedro Sula, the bloodiest town in Honduras, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning, when the drug gangs are still asleep.

The high crime rate throughout Latin America has many causes. In many countries, residents claim that police and security force members are part of the problem. In Venezuela, one family says the police are linked to multiple killings that have devastated the family.

Women have made significant gains across Latin America. But sexual violence against women remains a pervasive problem. As part of NPR's series on violence in Latin America, we're looking at the problem in Colombia, where decades of war made women extremely vulnerable.

High crime rates are holding back economic development in Latin America. One element of the crime is extortion, which cuts into the bottom line for local businesses and ordinary citizens.

First came the day trips for foreigner tourists to the shantytowns. Now, young Westerners are living in formerly no-go areas — with yoga classes and sushi restaurants following. Business is booming in Rio de Janeiro's favelas, but some residents complain they're being priced out of the market.

Latin American cities rank as the most violent in the world. The region suffers from sky-high homicide rates, drug wars and gang violence. NPR is examining the region's turmoil in a series of reports, beginning with a look at the rampant kidnapping problem in Venezuela.

Also: Leon Panetta is writing a book; Alexander McCall Smith buys some islands.

Also: the Women's Prize gets a new sponsor; the best books coming out this week.

New technology is changing the way cities are run, with cutting-edge urban innovations around the globe. Sprawling, chaotic Rio de Janeiro has built a state-of-the-art operations center as it gears up for two major events.