The ruling ensures that the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of religion shields churches from laws meant to end employment discrimination.
At least 161 people were indicted and nine were killed in extrajudicial executions in 2011 because of accusations of blasphemy.
A persistent drought is forcing farmers to abandon traditional rain-reliant practices.
While economic growth in Latin America continues, many of its poorest citizens complain the benefits have passed them by.
The millions of refugees and migrants in the world "are looking for a place they can live in peace,” Pope Benedict XVI said on Jan. 15.