Supporters of Mali's coup leader named him to head a new interim government in defiance of a deal brokered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional body that has been trying to mediate.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

It was the first Easter since the election of Pope Francis in Rome, and worshipers said they hoped their new spiritual leader would help strengthen their tiny community that has shrunk under the joint pressures of militant attacks and economic hardships.

NPR: Iraqi Catholics Celebrate Easter

He accompanied the late North Korean leader on recent trips to China and attended a ground-breaking ceremony in June for the new special economic zone on the island of Hwanggumpyong, analysts say.

WSJ: Trade Binds North Korea to China