A round-up of other world news in brief
Pope Benedict confirms he will visit Britain
ROME – Pope Benedict XVI confirmed yesterday that he will visit Britain, the first papal visit since 1982, and criticised legislation that could force churches to hire homosexuals or transsexuals as a violation of “natural law”.
In a speech to bishops from England and Wales, the pope said he looked forward to witnessing at first hand the faith of Catholics in England and Wales during “my forthcoming apostolic visit to Great Britain”.
It was the first time the pope had publicly confirmed the trip. He did not give a time but church officials said it was expected to take place in September. – (Reuters)
US trial over Haiti 'rescue' considered
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haitian and US officials are considering a trial in the US for 10 Americans who were arrested while trying to bus children out of Haiti without documents or permission.
The aborted Baptist “rescue mission” is a major distraction for a crippled government trying to support millions of earthquake survivors. Its courts and justice ministry were destroyed in the disaster, which also killed many judicial officials.
But the government is insisting the Americans – however well-intentioned – must be prosecuted to send a strong message against child trafficking. – ( Guardianservice)