Many Armenians view the pontiff favorably for his moral stance on pressing world issues and for his elevation of an Armenian monk to the rank of doctor of the church.

The court seeks to accommodate "petitioners' religious exercise while at the same time ensuring that women covered by petitioners' health plans receive full and equal health coverage, including contraceptive coverage."

Venezuela's opposition warned the embattled leader that if he tries to block an attempt to hold a recall referendum, society could "explode."

"We feel because of our values, the choice was this, but that didn't mean it was easy."

A spokesperson for the Friends of St. Frances X. Cabrini, said the group plans to consult with its attorney, but acknowledged, "it doesn't sound good."

Alarming levels of hunger, caused by the worst drought in about half a century, has left about 10 percent of all Ethiopians—some 10 million in all—in need of food aid.