Violence in Central Africa precedes Pope’s visit

WEEKS before Pope Francis arrives for a visit, there has been violence in the Central African Republic (CAR). At least five people have been killed. Men from a mainly Muslim neighbourhood stormed homes in the capital, Bangui, at the weekend, burning houses, shooting, and stabbing. The attack is believed to be retaliation for an earlier attack on the Muslim neighbourhood the previous week. The Pope is due to visit the CAR on from 28 to 29 November, and the President, Catherine Samba-Panza, has called on UN peacekeepers to take action to secure the peace in Bangui before what should be a “unifying event for the people of Central Africa”. The Pope is due to visit a refugee camp, Evangelical Christians, and a mosque during his stay.

Court requests blasphemy review by Pakistan government

THE Supreme Court in Pakistan has asked the government to re-examine the cases of those imprisoned on blasphemy charges. A recent court ruling has instructed the authorities to ensure that no innocent people have been put on trial on false charges, the website Christian Today reports. Christians and other religious minorities have often faced accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan, which can carry the possible death penalty.