"Such a law undermines the two-state solution, further eliminating hopes of peace," the patriarchate said.

In a rebuke to the Trump administration on Feb. 9, the three federal appellate judges sided with the states of Washington and Minnesota on nearly every matter, opening the possibility that the case could shift to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Every effort must be made to eradicate this shameful and intolerable crime (of human trafficking)," Pope Francis said.

Archbishop Bernardito Auza called on the U.N. and its member states to develop policies and investments "that people can see and touch" to tackle social and spiritual poverty as well.

The Boy Scouts change in policy "has no impact on the operation and program delivery of Scouting program(s) in Catholic-chartered units," said the Catholic Scouting committee.

The move was the first concrete attempt to counter the contentious measure of West Bank settlements.