“There are circles and sectors that present themselves as ilustrados (enlightened) — they sequester the proclamation of the gospel through a distorted reasoning that divides the world between ‘civilized’ and ‘barbaric,'” Francis said. "On this basis, contempt can develop for people considered to be second rate,” he said, adding that “all this also emerged during the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.”

"We are seeking a peaceful way to end this crisis" said Carlos Cordero, a political adviser for the Bolivian bishops' conference.

Six Catholic organizations have endorsed a wide-ranging platform calling for urgent attention to the nation's democratic principles.

"Any time we go outside, we could be arrested."

The decision affects Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, retired bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, who left his position in September 2018 under a cloud of allegations of sexual and financial misconduct.

Georgetown announced it would commit to raising around $400,000 a year to create a fund for reparations to the descendants of 272 slaves sold by the college in the pre-Civil War era.