Pope names new economic chief to succeed disgraced cardinal
Pope Francis on Thursday named the Vatican’s new economy minister to succeed Cardinal George Pell, who is appealing a conviction in his native Australia for sexually assaulting two teenaged choir boys.
Thailand seizes 176 kg of crystal meth in treadmills bound for Japan
Thai anti-narcotics officers have seized 176 kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the metal frames of electric treadmills bound for Japan, police said on Thursday.
Italian tenor Bocelli joins Saudis and UNESCO to help children affected by war
(This Nov. 13 story corrects to make clear “Voices of the World” is in partnership with Saudi Arabia and that the project with UNESCO is separate)
Russia blames fatal plane crash on pilots, including one who lied to get license
A plane crash that killed all 50 people on board at Russia’s Kazan Airport in 2013 was the result of errors made by two pilots, including one who got his license using falsified documents, Russian investigators said on Thursday.
India’s top court delays ruling on ban on women entering Hindu temple
India’s top court on Thursday delayed a verdict on the lifting of a centuries-old ban on women of menstruating age entering a Hindu temple, asking more judges to consider the case involving gender discrimination and religion that has divided opinion.
Japanese emperor begins last major accession rite: spending the night with a goddess
Japanese Emperor Naruhito, dressed in pure white robes, was ushered into a dark wooden hall by torchlight on Thursday night to start his last major accession rite after becoming emperor this spring: spending the night with a goddess.
Suspect arrested over shooting of Dutch soccer player Maynard: ANP news
Dutch authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect in the killing of former professional soccer player Kelvin Maynard, news agency ANP reported.
Britain’s health service recorded worst ever emergency performance in October
Britain’s National Health Service recorded its worst ever performance in treating patients in emergency wards in October, a blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has claimed that only the Conservatives can safeguard the cherished institution.
Hong Kong students arm themselves for showdown as police take breather
Pro-democracy protesters paralyzed parts of Hong Kong for a fourth day on Thursday, forcing schools to close and blocking highways as students built barricades and stockpiled makeshift weapons, setting the stage for campus showdowns.
U.S. ready to use ‘full range’ capabilities to defend South Korea
A top U.S. military officer reaffirmed on Thursday that the United States is ready to use the “full range” of its capabilities to defend South Korea from any attack, a joint statement after a meeting with officials in Seoul said.
