Pope Francis
A growing number of clerical sexual abuse survivors are coming forward in Latin America
Latin America may become the next region to expose childhood clerical sexual abuse. Some victims have spent decades without coming forward because of the importance given to clergy in the community. But a growing number of people are creating support networks for survivors.
Report reveals more than 200,000 children abused by clergy in France
Top of The World: A new probe has revealed that Roman Catholic clergy in France had sexually abused more than 200,000 children since 1950. And, Facebook and its associated apps, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, went down for about six hours on Monday around the world. Also, Russia has reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths and infections for the fifth time in a week.
Blinken pushes back against lawmakers’ criticism of Afghanistan withdrawal.
Top of The World: The US’ top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, defended the country’s withdrawal from Afghanistan before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. And, Pope Francis has begun a four-day visit to Slovakia after a seven-hour stop in Hungary. Also, nearly 45% of young people interviewed in a global survey say they feel anxiety or distress about climate change
Influential German archbishop offers to resign over church abuse
Top of The World: Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the archbishop of Munich and Freising and confidante of Pope Francis, offered to resign on Friday over the church abuse scandal. And, US President Joe Biden has expanded a blacklist of Chinese companies started by the Trump administration. Also, Facebook is reportedly planning to end a policy that exempted politicians from certain moderation rules.