"Roy's life has been in service to his good, loving and ever-forgiving God," said Michael Van Hecke, St. Augustine's headmaster.

In his annual "state of the world address" Jan. 8 to diplomats from more than 180 countries, Pope Francis urged countries once again to respect the status quo of Jerusalem. 

In the fall, the first gay weddings were conducted in Germany, following a June 30 vote by the parliament to allow full same-sex marriage.

A watchdog organization identified three global trends in persecution against Christians.

The bishop has not joined government-approved associations for church officials.

Spiraling inflation, a shortage of necessities such as food and medicine, and high crime rates have driven hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans to seek better opportunities in other countries.