ALL EYES WERE ON ROME. The beatification of John Paul II on May 1 was a major highlight of 2011 for the Church and the world. In this issue, the Register remembers the year that was in national, global and Vatican news. In the U.S., Catholics saw the introduction of the new Roman Missal, the growth of the Occupy movement and new saints’ causes. Troops came home from the Iraq War as threats to religious freedom escalated on the home front. Meanwhile, presidential hopefuls debated their views, and Philadelphia welcomed a new shepherd. The country also witnessed the passing of its papal nuncio and commemorated the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 (Nation, page 3). Around the world, Christians faced much persecution, while violence continued in many areas. Ireland dealt with scandal, while England became the first country to host an Anglican ordinariate. And through it all, World Youth Day was a beacon of hope (World, page 4). It was also a busy year for the Holy Father. Benedict XVI made several trips, published another book, and engaged others in ecumenical dialogue ... and even had time to greet astronauts aboard the International Space Station and launch the new Vatican Web portal (Vatican, page 5). Also don’t miss our ‘Quotes of the Week’ from 2011, which sum up the top stories and newsmakers of the year (Briefs, page 2).