President Obama held up Merrick as diligent public servant, highlighting his work leading the investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing.

Each was charged with conspiracy and child endangerment. Prosecutors said the three have been given until Friday to surrender.

Spanish Msgr. Lucio Vallejo Balda cited a Whatsapp conversation in which Francesca Chaouqui told him: "I will destroy you in all the newspapers and you know that I can do it."

Father Elizondo was widely recognized as "the father of U.S. Latino religious thought."

The coalition has used demonstrations and sometimes consumer boycotts to pressure the five largest fast-food companies—Wendy's, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and Taco Bell—into joining its "fair food program."

"The very future of the ancient Christian presence in the Middle East is at stake," Archbishop Kurtz said.