New Ebola case in Sierra Leone
Despite Sierra Leone’s efforts to quash the virus, which brought 500 new cases a week in the country at its peak, a deceased middle-aged woman tested positive for Ebola after a post-mortem swab. As a result, 50 people in the village where the woman died, Sella Kafta, were declared high-risk and placed under quarantine. Located in western Africa, Sierra Leone recently celebrated after the release of the last known Ebola patient from the hospital. Neighboring Guinea reported three confirmed cases of Ebola in August.
Pope Francis to allow priests to pardon abortion-seekers
Roman Catholic priests now have the “discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it” during the Holy Year of Mercy, according to the pope. During the holy year, which is from Dec. 8, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016, the Catholic Church seeks to make its “mission to be a witness of mercy” more apparent. The church usually punishes those who seek abortions with excommunication, and forgiveness is rarely granted.
Turkey attacks ISIS as part of U.S.-led coalition
Turkish jets began attacking Islamic State targets in Syria as part of a joint effort between Turkey and the U.S. against the group. Turkey’s increased involvement has given U.S. jets access to an important air base near the Syrian border. The Turkish foreign ministry prioritized the war against ISIS after the July bomb attack in the city of Suruc that killed 32. The terrorist group is the prime suspect.
Destruction of Palmyra’s temple confirmed by UN
The United Nations reported that a satellite image confirms the destruction of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, an ancient city in Syria, by the Islamic State, refuting a claim that it was still intact. The image shows that the main structure of the temple was leveled, only a pair of columns left standing. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the temple, which was captured by ISIS in May, as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main temple of the city, which housed the Palmyrene gods, was among the most important religious buildings of the east since the first century B.C.
Canada falls into recession
Low oil prices have sent Canada spiraling into its second recession in seven years, according to government data. Prime Minister Stephen Harper attributes the recession to global economic instability, such as China’s economic slowdown and the significant decrease in world oil prices. As the world’s fifth-largest oil producer, Canada was impacted severely by this price cut, and its mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector showed a “notable decrease.” However, analysts remain optimistic for a quick rebound, noting the drastic increase in the country’s GDP last June.
