Dispatches

Sept. 27

Nearly 1 million people flooded the streets of downtown Philadelphia to watch Pope Francis conduct an open-air Mass on the last afternoon of his six-day visit to the United States. The tour marked Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, and the first time a pope has addressed Congress. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church spoke to U.S. lawmakers during a joint session, calling for action on climate change and income inequality. Some pro-life supporters were disappointed the pope didn’t directly mention abortion during the speech that came two days after Senate Democrats blocked a late-term abortion ban.

A new nation?

Sept. 27

Pro-independence parties in Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia won a majority in regional parliamentary elections and set up a potential showdown for independence from Spain. Government officials in Madrid vowed they would fight any bid for Catalonia’s secession, but many residents of the culturally distinct region say they pay too much in taxes for too little in return.

Kremlin rising

Sept. 27

Iraqi officials joined Russia, Iran, and Syria in an agreement to share military intelligence about Islamic State fighters in the Middle East. The nations’ deepening alliance came as Russian leaders expanded their military involvement in Syria and threatened to eclipse Western influence in the region. At the United Nations, President Barack Obama clashed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the pair offered dueling goals for Syria’s horrendous civil war: Obama insists on the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Putin has vowed to continue backing the Syrian dictator.

Diesel deception

Sept. 23

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stepped down from the company’s top post in the wake of revelations the German-based automaker had rigged cars to cheat emissions tests. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported VW had falsified U.S. pollution tests on some 500,000 diesel engine vehicles by installing software that made the cars appear “clean” during tests. Once the cars hit the road, they emitted as much as 40 times the allowed level of pollutants. Volkswagen officials admitted the scandal could affect up to 11 million cars worldwide.

Mecca stampede

Sept. 24

An annual Muslim pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia turned disastrous, as a crushing stampede erupted among the massive crowds navigating the narrow streets. At least 769 persons died, and more than 900 were injured. Rescue workers sorted through white-robed bodies of Muslim pilgrims from around the world, and some witnesses reported security officials had temporarily blocked exits before the stampede began. The disaster came less than two weeks after a crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque killed more than 100 visitors.