Pope Francis slams 'rich hoarders'

NAIROBI • Pope Francis lashed out at wealthy minorities who hoard resources at the expense of the poor as he visited a crowded Nairobi slum yesterday, wrapping up the first leg of a three-nation tour.

The 78-year-old pontiff was given a rapturous welcome as he arrived in Kangemi, which is home to more than 100,000 people who live in shacks without sewerage, including 20,000 who belong to the local Catholic parish.

Pope Francis was known as "the slum bishop" before becoming pontiff because of his frequent visits to the shantytowns of Buenos Aires.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

Inquiry to probe child sex abuse by 'VIPs'

LONDON • A major British inquiry into decades of child sex abuse will probe allegations involving "people of prominence" and politicians, as well as the Catholic and Anglican Churches, councils and schools, its head said yesterday.

The inquiry, which will last at least five years and cost about £18 million (S$38 million), was set up in July last year after a series of child sex abuse scandals dating back to the 1970s, some of which involved celebrities and politicians.

REUTERS