Outside one church, pamphlets were found that read "The next bombs will be in your cassock."

Trump's comments highlighted months of concerns about his lack of focus on Africa, including empty ambassadorial posts in key countries like South Africa, Egypt, Congo and Somalia.

"Roy's life has been in service to his good, loving and ever-forgiving God," said Michael Van Hecke, St. Augustine's headmaster.

In his annual "state of the world address" Jan. 8 to diplomats from more than 180 countries, Pope Francis urged countries once again to respect the status quo of Jerusalem. 

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.

A watchdog organization identified three global trends in persecution against Christians.