The move marks a break with a cluster of recent ordinations made without Vatican consent.

Bevilacqua’s longtime secretary for clergy, Msgr. William Lynn, right, is charged with felony child endangerment and conspiracy.

Oregon’s Gov. John Kitzhaber pledged to maintain a moratorium on the death penalty for the rest of his term.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi focused on the responsibility to protect civilian populations from harmful weapons in an address on Nov. 14.

Otto Pérez Molina, a retired general with a controversial past, has been elevated to the presidency.

"The summons to disobedience has not only left many Catholics shaking their heads, but has also triggered alarm and sadness," the Austrian bishops said.