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.

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

The decree for their beatification should be published sometime in January, Trappist Father Thomas Georgeon said.

With memories of the post-election violence of a decade ago still fresh among its congregants, one church in Nairobi made it its mission to promote peace.

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.

Although Mr. Ramaphosa is a relatively acceptable leader of the A.N.C. in the eyes of some opposition parties, his economic stance will put him in tension with the populist left Economic Freedom Fighters and many trade unions.