Pilgrims bitten by snakes at Paraguay papal Mass
2015-07-15
At least 14 people bitten during Mass conducted by Pope Francis, who has wrapped up his South American tour.Continue Reading
Irish dancers urged to boycott Israeli Feis by Palestinian supporter
2015-07-14
Israel’s first Irish dancing competition (feis) is currently the subject of a major effort calling for the event to be canceled as part of the cultural boycott of Israel. The feis, set to take part this August in Tel Aviv, is organized by The Carey Academy Israel, a new branchContinue Reading
Greece reaches deal with creditors, avoids euro exit
2015-07-13
Greece reached a deal with its European creditors on Monday, pledging stringent austerity to avoid an exit from the euro and the global financial chaos that could have followed. The deal calls for Greeks, already reeling from harsh measures and economic decline, to cut back even further in exchange forContinue Reading
Pope Francis visits Paraguay slum to hear impoverished residents’ stories
2015-07-13
Paraguay: Pope Francis put into practice his insistence that the world’s poor not be left on the margins of society by visiting a flood-prone slum outside Asunción on Sunday to offer residents a word of encouragement on the final day of his three-country South American tour. Francis drew cheers whenContinue Reading
IS offers a mix of brutality, charity during Ramadan
2015-07-10
Beirut — During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic State group is showing two faces to the millions who live under its rule in Iraq and Syria – handing out food and alms to the poor to tout their adherence to the month’s spirit of compassion while metingContinue Reading
Pope Francis apparently not amused by ‘communist crucifix’
2015-07-10
La Paz — When leftist Bolivian president Evo Morales on Thursday presented Pope Francis with a “communist crucifix” – a carving of Christ crucified on the hammer of a hammer and sickle – the Pope appeared to say, “This is not ok,” while shaking his head. Shortly after his JulyContinue Reading
Franciscans asks prayers for kidnapped priest in Syria
2015-07-07
Latakia — The organizations of Franciscan missionaries serving in the Holy Land have requested prayers for the safe return of Father Dhiya Aziz, who was abducted by militants in Syria on Saturday. The Custody of the Holy Land have stated that they lost contact with Fr. Aziz on July 4.Continue Reading
World’s oldest man dies in Japan, aged 112
2015-07-07
Tokyo — Sakari Momoi, who was recognised as the world’s oldest man and credited healthy eating and getting plenty of sleep for his longevity, has died at the age of 112, Japanese media said on Tuesday. Momoi was born in an area of Fukushima hit hard by the tsunami andContinue Reading
China renovates monastery near Sikkim where Dalai Lama fled
2015-07-07
Beijing: China has renovated the historic Dungkar Monastery in Tibet, close to Nathu La border in Sikkim where the Dalai Lama first fled in 1951 when the Chinese troops entered Tibet. Built in the 16th century, the monastery was damaged in a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2011, destroying its mainContinue Reading
Pope lands in Ecuador, calls nation to continue in Catholic identity
2015-07-06
Quito — Landing in Ecuador on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis began his tri-nation visit to Latin America by stressing the Gospel’s role in fostering respect, dialogue, and care for the vulnerable, while praising the nation’s centuries-old Catholic heritage. “We can find in the Gospel a key to meeting contemporary challenges,Continue Reading