Month: January 2024

Extreme Cold Leaves Thousands Without Power in Nordic Countries

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Extremely cold temperatures compounded by gale-force winds and snow wreaked havoc across the Nordic region Thursday, leaving thousands without power while others braved the cold for hours stuck in their cars along clogged highways. Heavy rains in Germany, France and the Netherlands again caused floods in regions that have seen persistent flooding in the last two weeks. One death was reported in France. The deep freeze disrupted transportation throughout the Nordic region amid reports of traffic chaos following closures of sections of highways and major roads. Problems with rail service have also been reported. Electricity was cut to …

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Pope Francis Deeply Concerned by Arrests of Catholic Clergy in Nicaragua

Rome — Pope Francis has urged prayers for Nicaragua where two Catholic bishops,15 priests and two seminarians are in custody, with the most recent arrests taking place on Dec. 31. Observers fear the government of President Daniel Ortega is trying to eradicate the Catholic Church’s presence in Nicaragua. The pontiff opened the new year with an appeal for prayer for the Central American country, expressing his deep concern for bishops and priests “deprived of their freedom” there and urging “the path of dialogue be always sought to overcome difficulties.” “I follow with worry the events in Nicaragua, where priests and bishops …

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