News In Brief

LatAm's first pope heads to Brazil
Afp, Rio De Janeiro

Bringing his message of a "poor Church for the poor," Pope Francis headed for Brazil yesterday to find a country facing a shrinking Catholic flock and anger over government waste.
Francis left Rome for Rio de Janeiro shortly before 0700 GMT, embarking on his first foreign trip abroad since becoming pontiff.  Pilgrims from around the world were gathering in Rio for World Youth Day to greet the first pope.

Blast targets Myanmar monk
Afp, Yangon

A small blast near an event hosted by a radical Myanmar monk who stands accused of inflaming Buddhist-Muslim tensions has left 5 people injured in Mandalay, police said yesterday.
The cleric, Wirathu, confirmed the incident and blamed "the minority" linked to an article in Time magazine, which highlighted his anti-Muslim sermons as a key factor in inciting a wave of deadly religious violence this year.

Apple software developers site hacked
Afp, New York City

Computer and software giant Apple said Sunday that it took its software developers website offline after it was hacked, warning that personal information about them may have been stolen.
The information technology giant said in a statement titled "We'll be back soon" that they made the hack attack known "in the spirit of transparency."

Cambodia bars opposition chief from poll
Afp, Phnom Penh

Cambodia's newly returned opposition leader cannot be a candidate in upcoming polls, election authorities ruled yesterday, rejecting his application to stand against strongman Premier Hun Sen.
Sam Rainsy, who was greeted by huge crowds on Friday after his return from self-imposed exile in France, "did not fulfil the conditions in the process of registering candidates", National Election Committee said in a letter.
Rainsy has reportedly warned of a backlash if he is barred from standing.