The bishops condemned the "bloody violence" used by government security forces to suppress marches by mostly Catholic protesters on Dec. 31 and Jan. 21

The number of Jewish settlers in the West Bank grew at nearly twice the rate of Israel's overall population last year.

Bishop Okpaleke's appointment had been met by protests and petitions calling for the appointment of a bishop from among the local clergy.

The churches have enjoyed an unofficial tax-exempt status for centuries.

An Italian newspaper reported that the canonization is likely to happen in October.

Cruz described the three-hour meeting as "emotionally draining" but said he felt heard.