Communities need to be saved from "corruption, extortion, the illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons," he said.

The action was hailed by pro-life leaders as it continues Ronald Reagan's legacy.

Students will visit the Auschwitz concentration camp and a Torah is being mailed every Jewish family in the state.

The week of prayer, Pope Francis said, urges Catholics and Lutherans to reconcile and "draw closer to one another anew through conversion."

The percentage of pregnancies ending in abortion is down to 18.8 percent, a decline of nearly two-fifths below is 1983 peak of 30.3 percent.

The main Irish Catholic party is demanding an early election.