Pope and closest aides do not have coronavirus - Vatican

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican said on Saturday that tests carried out in the building where Pope Francis lives after one resident tested positive for coronavirus showed that the pontiff and his closest aides do not have the disease.

Pope holds dramatic solitary service for relief from coronavirus

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis said the coronavirus had put everyone "in the same boat" as he held a dramatic, solitary prayer service in St. Peter's Square on Friday, urging the world to see the crisis as a test of solidarity and a reminder of basic values.

Pope, world's Christians join in prayer to end coronavirus

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis and Christians worldwide recited "The Lord's Prayer" on Wednesday to ask God to stop the coronavirus pandemic which has infected nearly half a million people, disrupted countless lives and shut down churches and other public venues.

Pope calls for world prayer to stop coronavirus, will deliver special blessing

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Sunday he will this week deliver an extraordinary "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing - normally given only at Christmas and Easter - and called for worldwide prayer to respond to the coronavirus crisis.

The silenced death knell

With songs, screams and recipes, Americans find emotional balm six feet apart

NEW YORK (Reuters) - It's more than 10 months until Christmas, but as the global coronavirus pandemic takes hold in the United States, Margaret Haskell put out a call on her community Facebook group in New Jersey for people to hang their outdoor holiday lights back up.

JPJ: No plans to increase road tax

PETALING JAYA: There are no plans to increase road taxes, says the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Dutch clear out supermarket shelves in coronavirus shopping spree

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch shoppers stockpiled toilet paper, pasta and canned goods on Friday as worries about the coronavirus outbreak spread a day after the government imposed restrictions to curb the disease.

Drug war’s songs of pain

The dozen children stared shyly at the audience but grew bolder when they began to sing, pouring their grief into music for the fathers they lost to the Philippines’ drug war.

Pain of Philippine drug war kids heard in songs

MANILA (AFP): The dozen children stared shyly at the audience but grew bolder when they began to sing, pouring their grief into music for the fathers they lost to the Philippines' drug war.