Doctors who visited Gaza speak of “atrocities”, collapsing healthcare
Reuters The healthcare system in Gaza has essentially collapsed, Western doctors who visited the Palestinian enclave in recent months told an event at the United Nations on Monday, speaking of “appalling atrocities” from Israel’s offensive. The four doctors from the United States, United Kingdom and France have been working with teams in Gaza to support […]
US Supreme Court lets Texas border enforcement law take effect
Washington DC, US Reuters The US Supreme Court on Tuesday let a Republican-backed Texas law take effect that allows state law enforcement authorities to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the US-Mexico border, rejecting a bid to block it by President Joe Biden’s administration. The court has a six-to-three conservative majority, and its three liberal […]
Gloomy youth pull US and western Europe down global happiness ranking
London, UK Reuters Rising unhappiness among younger people has caused the United States and some large western European countries to fall down a global wellbeing index, while Nordic nations retain their grip on the top spots. The annual World Happiness Report, launched in 2012 to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, is based on […]
Zimbabwe sect leader accused of child abuse is denied bail
Norton, Zimbabwe Reuters The leader of a religious sect in Zimbabwe was denied bail on Tuesday after being arrested last week for suspected child abuse when police found 251 minors working on his farm and 16 graves. Ishmael Chokurongerwa, 56, described by police as a “self-styled prophet” appeared in court in the town of Norton […]
UN nuclear watchdog chief visits Syria to restart talks
Damascus, Syria Reuters UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said he visited Damascus on Tuesday to restart talks focused on fostering confidence in the peaceful use of atomic energy by Syria. Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad meets with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Damascus, Syria, on 19th March, 2024. PICTURE: SANA/Handout […]
Hong Kong passes security law which critics say further threatens freedoms
Hong Kong, China Reuters Hong Kong lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed a new national security bill within two weeks of it being presented, fast-tracking a major piece of legislation that critics say further threatens the China-ruled city’s freedoms. The package, known as Article 23, punishes offences including treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets, […]
US to lift Afghan visa limit under Biden, Congress deal
Washington DC, US Reuters US President Joe Biden’s administration has reached a compromise deal with Republicans in House of Representatives to lift the number of resettlement visas for Afghans who worked for the United States, US lawmakers said on Tuesday. The congressionally-authorised limit of 38,500 Special Immigration Visas (SIVs), which offer a path to US […]
The Interview: Rev Mark Elsdon, editor of ‘Gone for Good’
As BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, speaks with Rev Mark Elsdon, a Presbyterian minister, author, social entrepreneur and editor of ‘Gone for Good’…
The first outside legal analyses of Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ are in, and they’re critical
Vatican City AP Several prominent lawyers have published stinging academic critiques and legal opinions about the Vatican’s recently concluded “trial of the century,” highlighting violations of basic defense rights and rule of law norms that they warn could have consequences for the Holy See going forward. The opinions cite Pope Francis’ role in the trial, since he […]
Essay: Before tackling troublesome issues, Pope Francis insists on synodality
US Catholic commentator THOMAS REESE says – in an article first published on Religion News Service – that he feels like he is on the Titanic while the crew is meeting to talk about how they should listen to one another…