Pope Francis Makes Historic Trip to the US

On September 22, His Holiness Pope Francis paid his first visit to the United States, where he spread his message concerning climate change and social issues with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. The Pope spent two days in Washington, D.C., where he delivered a canonization mass, addressed a joint meeting of Congress, and shared a meal with the local homeless.

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The Greatest Show on Earth: World Watches as UN General Assembly Opens

Some key speakers to watch will be Iran’s Rouhani, fresh off a huge diplomatic win after the Iran nuclear deal; Russia’s Putin, who is making his first appearance in the GA Hall in a decade amid growing concerns about Russia’s presence in Ukraine and Syria; and Cuban President Raul Castro, who will be addressing the UN for the first time.

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Pope Francis: Mediator of the Americas

As the United States prepares for the six-day Papal visit to New York, Washington, and Philadelphia, security for the Pope has become a rising priority. Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), told the Washington Post, “The Pope is a very passionate man,” adding that some of the Pope’s methods make him difficult to protect.

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European Policies Diverge on Refugees

The BBC reports that considering their increasing estimates of incoming migrants, now a staggering 800,000, Germany’s government has released an additional 3 billion euros from the federal budget to help local governments. The influx of refugees from the Middle East also affects European migrants–the German government will change the status of Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro to “safe” so that migrants from those countries can be easily deported.

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