An archbishop who inspected the Medjugorje shrine believes the Vatican will recognize the Marian apparitions, but Pope Francis has said of them, "This is not the mother of Jesus."

Images appeared on social media showing the word "murder" smeared in white paint on a statue of the 18th-century Franciscan priest who led the Catholic Church's missionary efforts among Native Americans on the West Coast.

Kosovo's government backed the cathedral. Its foundation stone was laid in 2005 by the late President Ibrahim Rugova, a Muslim.

The reports were sourced to a fake Facebook page.

For newly appointed Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, the time is right to revive Romero’s legacy in a country still battered by violence and poverty.

The archbishop officially promoting Blessed Oscar Romero's cause for sainthood said he hopes the canonization process will conclude within a year.