“The orders appear to enable Israel to detain, prosecute, imprison and/or deport any and all persons present in the West Bank,” said Richard Falk of the U.N.

Rio de Janeiro’s towering Christ the Redeemer statue, undergoing restoration, was spray-painted with graffiti by vandals.

“As one of the greatest suppliers of electricity in our country, we must reflect on what producing this energy truly costs," said Bishop Michael J. Bransfield.

Connecticut’s bishops are resisting a bill that would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in cases of sexual abuse.

San Antonio’s Archbishop José H. Gómez will become head of the archdiocese upon Cardinal Roger M. Mahony’s retirement.

Only 12 percent of Americans surveyed said the pope has done an excellent or good job in handling the abuse scandal.