Chile

Pope Francis was stung by a sexual abuse scandal in Chile, where the Church is losing sway and people are embracing social norms opposed by the Vatican.

At least five churches have been vandalized since Friday ahead of Francis' visit, some with firebombs as anger persists years after a major sex-abuse scandal that many see as a coverup by the Vatican.

Official documents say the Nobel laureate died of prostate cancer in 1973. But 16 forensics experts have unanimously concluded that isn't true, stoking suspicions again that he was actually poisoned.

Chilean lawmakers passed a bill earlier this month adding three exceptions to its ban on the procedure. Still, the bill was in limbo — until the Constitutional Court approved it as law Monday.

Chile passed a measure rolling back parts of its decades-old abortion ban, which is among the world's strictest. Now, that rollback goes before the constitution court. And its fate remains uncertain.

Drought, floods and wildfires are signs that climate change has become a harsh reality for the 17 million people of Chile. Laguna de Aculeo used to be a booming summer playground, but not anymore.

Authorities cut off service to the capital, Santiago, following torrential rains that contaminated the water supply. People are now scrambling to find alternative sources of drinking water.

States of emergency were lifted for some parts of the country as efforts turned to recovering from wildfires that killed at least 11 people and drew firefighting resources from at least 15 countries.

At least 13 countries have sent money, equipment and people to help fight wildfires that have killed at least 11 people, including four firefighters.

Hundreds of thousands of acres have been destroyed and at least 10 people have died, including several firefighters. The Chilean government says the blazes are the worst in the country's history.