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.

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

Police also used tear gas and batons against Massgoers in some of the capital's 150 parishes and violently broke up attempted marches in which protesters demanded fresh elections in the country.

It was the first time a baby has been abandoned under the Angel Cradle program since it began in Edmonton in May 2013.

Pope Francis also prayed for the victims of the attacks on Sunday.

The photo shows a young boy, about 10 years old, carrying his dead little brother on his back.

The Iraqi national anthem opened the Mass as women wailed with emotion.

The legislation would have strengthened the ban on dismemberment abortions and abortions from the 20th week on during a pregnancy.

A regulation that bars nonprofits and houses of worship from making political endorsements remains on the books after it was dropped from the Republican tax reform bill.

The Knights of Columbus also has earmarked money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico.