Vatican cardinal defends gay union blessing ban amid dissent
<p>ROME — A cardinal close to Pope Francis defended a recent Holy See pronouncement that priests cannot bless same-sex unions as the Vatican faced...
Myanmar factory attacks put focus on Chinese influence
BANGKOK — Confusion over what exactly happened during recent attacks on factories in Myanmar has highlighted the complex and troubled nature of the country's...
Turkey: 20 detained in raids targeting PKK militants
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish police have detained some 20 people in raids against suspected Kurdish militants, including three top local officials of the country’s...
Belgium pauses re-opening plans as virus infections mount
BRUSSELS — Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Friday that the country faces a few “crucial weeks” as the number of coronavirus infections...
Dutch prime minister powers to fourth straight election win
<p>THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative party powered to a fourth consecutive election victory in a vote held during a...
UN report: Too much prejudice against old and young in world
<p>UNITED NATIONS — Prejudice and discrimination based on age is widespread around the world, affecting millions of older and younger people trying to work...
Australian police boss suggests app to prove sexual consent
CANBERRA, Australia — A senior Australian policeman suggested on Thursday a phone app be developed to document sexual consent in a bid to improve...
Lebanese PM-designate: Cabinet needed to restore trust, hope
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister-designate said Thursday that a government that could restart talks with the International Monetary Fund was the only way to...
UN rights chief: Justice at stake in trial over Floyd death
GENEVA — The U.N. human rights chief said Friday that the U.S. trial over the killing of George Floyd presents a “crucial, defining opportunity...
Bank of England maintains rates amid positive economic news
<p>LONDON — The Bank of England says the news on near-term economic activity in the U.K. has been “positive” as it maintained its main...