The Roman Catholic Church is the largest and one of the oldest religious institutions in the world. 

But it’s facing some of its biggest scandals and criticism in recent history.

Pope Francis, who leads the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, is under pressure to strongly act against child abuse by priests and the cover-up by church officials that often follows.

The issue has overshadowed his two-day trip to Ireland, the first papal visit to that country in nearly 40 years.

So, how will he address this problem? And what will it mean for the future of the Roman Catholic Church?

Presenter: Dareen Abughaida

Guests:

Christopher Lamb – Rome correspondent for The Tablet Weekly Review

Michael Walsh – Vatican historian and editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Popes

Donnacha O Beachain – director of research at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University.

Source: Al Jazeera News

The 17th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death was Saturday, and friends and fans of the legendary singer paid tribute to her life and work. 

Missy Elliott, a frequent collaborator of the late pop star, shared an incredibly touching note and message to honor her close friend. 

Elliott shared a video of herself writing a note that reads: “Aaliyah, we miss you so much but your legacy will live on forever and ever!” 

Elliott continued the tribute in her Instagram and Twitter captions. 

“Aaliyah (Babygirl) I can only imagine how great you would be today winning oscars & creating music that would be in the year 2050 & setting all kind fashion trends all the things you did while you were here with us. But most of all spreading love is what u always were about,” Elliott wrote on social media.

“Your fans have worked diligently in holding u down! & your mom & brother are keeping your Legacy alive!,” she continued. “We miss you & to those that knew you or your music know that you will always be A One in A Million. Rest peacefully angel Babygirl.” 

Aaliyah was just 22 when she was involved in a 2001 plane crash that killed everyone on board. Fans shared memories, heartfelt tweets, and touching sentiments about Aaliyah. 

Rest in peace to a legend. 

Pope Francis should resign for his “sinful conduct” in covering up sexual abuse allegations against Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a retired Vatican diplomat says.

Francis had recently become pope in 2013 when he asked Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò his thoughts on McCarrick, Viganò says in a damning, 11-page open letter published Sunday.

“I don’t know if you know Cardinal McCarrick, but there is a dossier this thick about him,” Viganò said he told the pope in 2013. “He corrupted generations of seminarians and priests.”

Viganò, who was serving as the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S., told Francis that his predecessor, Pope Benedict, had ordered McCarrick to leave the seminary where he was living and withdraw to a life of prayer and penance.

Viganò, 77, was a hard-line conservative pillar at the Vatican before retiring in 2016. He said Francis dropped the sanctions against McCarrick, a well-known liberal by church standards, and “continued to cover for him.” McCarrick resigned last month amid claims of sexual abuse of an altar boy and seminarians.

More: In Ireland, Pope Francis meets with Catholic Church sex abuse survivors

More: Catholic priest beaten by man saying ‘this is for all the little kids’

More: ‘Men of God hid it all’: Church protected more than 300 ‘predator priests’

The Vatican had no immediate comment on Viganò’s claims but has said the pope acted quickly once he learned that McCarrick was facing credible claims. Francis addressed the global sexual abuse scandal Saturday in a speech in Ireland, where outrage over abuses there have overwhelmed coverage of the pope’s visit.

“The failure of … bishops, religious superiors, priests and others to adequately address these repugnant crimes has rightly given rise to outrage and remains a source of pain and shame for the Catholic community,” the pope said. “I myself share these sentiments.”

John Thavis, a former Catholic News Service reporter and author of The Vatican Diaries, says Viganò’s letter doesn’t explain how McCarrick was able to continue his high-profile work in the church at the end of Benedict’s reign if he had truly been admonished by the former pope. He noted that Viganò’s source on Benedict’s actions against McCarrick were based on second-hand information.

Thavis also noted that Viganò “blindsided” Francis two years ago when, during the pope’s U.S. visit, Viganò set up a controversial meeting between the pope and a court clerk in Kentucky who had refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

“The tone of the letter and its content resemble a political hit piece on the pope,” Thavis said. “Sadly, the sex abuse crisis is being used as political leverage by some factions in the church.”

That said, the letter calls for a detailed response from the pope, Thavis said. 

“I know of no other instance in modern times where a (former) high-ranking church officials has publicly called on the pope to resign,” Thavis said.

Viganò wrote that too many people have been “deeply scandalized by the abominable and sacrilegious behavior of the former Archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick; by the grave, disconcerting and sinful conduct of Pope Francis” and by many pastors who remained silent.

“Pope Francis must be the first to set a good example to cardinals and bishops who covered up McCarrick’s abuses and resign along with all of them,” Viganò wrote.

 

 

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Watford manager Javi Gracia says his side have achieved “something massive” after beating Crystal Palace to win their opening three games of the season for the first time in their top-flight history.

The Hornets maintained their perfect start in the Premier League to move behind Liverpool and level with Chelsea at the top of the table on goal difference.

Roberto Pereyra scored his third goal in as many games with an exquisite curling effort, before Jose Holebas added a seemingly unintentional second from outside the area in a resurgent second-half display.

“There is no secret. The most important thing is to work hard, and the players are being rewarded for all of their outstanding work from the pre-season,” said Gracia.

“Pereyra is scoring goals and he is an important player for us, but I would like to recognise the players that are not playing at the moment.”

Watford had been fortunate to be level at the interval, veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster pulling off two reflex saves to deny Christian Benteke and James McArthur early on.

Palace threatened in the opening exchanges despite their talisman Wilfried Zaha being the victim of a fierce tackle from Etienne Capoue, for which the Watford midfielder was fortunate to receive only a booking.

Zaha did pull a goal back for the visitors late on, beating his marker to drill the ball through Foster’s legs, but Watford withstood the fightback to claim all three points.

Holebas shines in the rain

Watford have won their opening three games of a top-flight campaign for the first time, and Holebas’ performance epitomised their impressive early season form.

Foster was crucial in keeping Palace at bay in the first half, but Holebas was equally influential, as well as supporting attacks at the other end.

When McArthur played a neat one-two with Benteke and ran into the hosts’ box, Holebas was on hand to slide in and nick the ball away as the Palace player was poised to shoot.

And the defender’s first Premier League goal since October 2016 ultimately proved the difference, if rather fortuitously, as he admitted to Sky Sports afterwards that it was an attempted cross that deceived Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and looped into the corner.

In Pereyra, Watford have a real talisman. The Argentine has been directly involved in seven of the club’s past 10 goals in the Premier League, scoring six and assisting another and it was a moment of brilliance to open the scoring as he curled the ball past a diving Wayne Hennessey from just inside the area.

Watford’s three wins have come against Brighton, Burnley and Crystal Palace, and clearly they will face tougher challenges, but with the work ethic and determination on show by Holebas and his team-mates today, Javi Gracia’s men have every prospect of a successful season.

Zaha on target despite special attention

Watford had clearly focused their efforts on stopping Zaha, but in the fourth minute Capoue crossed a line when he appeared to stamp on the Ivory Coast international’s Achilles. On another day the Frenchman might not have been on the pitch long enough to assist in Pereyra’s opening goal.

Zaha had a fairly quiet game after that incident, although he did burst into life to give the Eagles hope of a point in the final 15 minutes, his strike making him the club’s all-time highest goalscorer in the Premier League with 24.

Palace had two excellent opportunities to take an early lead, but Foster was in inspired form to deny the hosts.

Benteke should have done better in the 12th minute when he rose highest to meet Andros Townsend’s cross in the six-yard box, but the Belgian striker headed at Foster.

Minutes later, McArthur found himself one-on-one with the former England goalkeeper, but the midfielder’s effort was well saved.

The result at Vicarage Road follows defeat against Liverpool on Monday and Roy Hodgson will be concerned about his side’s goal threat, especially when Zaha is the subject of special attention from their opponents.

The 25-year-old has scored two of the club’s three goals so far this season and the former England boss needs an alternative goal threat.

Man of the match – Roberto Pereyra (Watford)

‘We were unlucky he was not sent off’ – what they said

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson: “There’s no particular anger as such. We didn’t start the second half well and went a goal down. We were unlucky in that their second goal drifted over the keeper’s head helped by the wind. At 2-0 we were facing a mountain.

“If the game had gone on another five or 10 minutes we could have got another goal and a draw would not have been an unfair result. It is very frustrating when you are 2-1 down and you are in the ascendancy but you can’t get hold of the ball.”

On Capoue’s booking: “We’re not happy about the foul. I’ve only just seen it again on television. I’d have to say we were unlucky he was not sent off.”

On Watford targeting Zaha: “We have to get used to that. Players of his match-winning ability do get targeted. He was targeted by that foul but he got over that and his ending to the game was quite good.”

Watford boss Javi Gracia: “I’m very happy because it is always difficult to get a result in the Premier League. We have three wins and it is amazing. The players have been rewarded because they have worked very hard.

“It is only three steps but I’m very proud to be Watford coach.”

On Capoue’s challenge: “To be honest I didn’t see the action. It was a rainy day with many contacts. If you speak to me about Capoue, I didn’t see it.”

Watford end Palace’s run at Vicarage Road – match stats

• Watford have won their opening three games of a top-flight league campaign for the first time in their history.
• This was Crystal Palace’s first league defeat at Watford since February 2009 (2-0 in a Championship meeting), having been unbeaten in seven trips prior to today (W3 D4).
• Watford’s current run of three consecutive wins in the Premier League is their second-longest winning streak in competition history, and just one short of their record of four games (in December 2015 under Quique Sanchez Flores).
• Watford have lost only one of their nine home games in the Premier League under Javi Gracia (W6 D2), including wins in each of their most recent three.
• Wilfried Zaha is now Crystal Palace’s top scorer in Premier League history (24), overtaking Chris Armstrong who netted 23 goals in the competition for the Eagles.
• Roberto Pereyra has been directly involved in seven of Watford’s last 11 goals in the Premier League, scoring six and assisting another.
• Nine of Roberto Pereyra’s 10 goals in the Premier League have been scored at Vicarage Road, including each of his last six in the competition.
• Jose Holebas has been directly involved in three of Watford’s four Premier League goals at Vicarage Road this season (one goal and two assists).

What’s next?

Watford travel to Reading in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, 28 August (20:00 BST) before hosting Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday (16:00). Crystal Palace are at Swansea in the EFL Cup on Tuesday (19:30) before entertaining Southampton in the league on Saturday (15:00).

A mass shooting at a video game tournament has led to “multiple fatalities” in the US state of Florida, according to police.

The shooting took place on Sunday at a waterfront dining, entertainment and shopping site in downtown Jacksonville, according to local media. Police warned residents to stay away from the area.

Citing police sources, reports said four people were killed and about 10 wounded.

“One suspect is dead at the scene, unknown at this time if we have a second suspect. Searches are being conducted,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter. 

The attack took place during the Madden 19 online game tournament at the GLHF Game Bar inside a Chicago Pizza restaurant, according to the venue’s website.

The video game tournament was being streamed online from the restaurant. Players can be seen reacting to the gunfire and cries can be heard before the footage cuts off.

“SWAT is doing a methodical search inside… We will get to you. Please don’t come running out,” the sheriff’s office said. 

Local outlet News4Jax said several ambulances, as well as firefighters and police officers, were on the scene, and roads were being blocked off in the downtown area. 

“The latest line we’re getting from the Jacksonville police is the suspect in this shooting is now dead,” Al Jazeera’s Andy Gallacher reported from Miami. “They are now going through that building but still warning residents in Jacksonville to stay away from the area.”

The attack occurred amid a debate about US gun laws that was given fresh impetus by the massacre in February of 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida. 

Two years ago, a gunman killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

Multiple fatalities at the scene, many transported. #TheLandingMassShooting https://t.co/qBJvkaO7xT

— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) August 26, 2018

Image: VCG via Getty Images

There are a few ways to properly celebrate National Dog Day. Some people choose to commemorate the important holiday by sharing photos of their dogs online, while others celebrate by hanging out with their pups IRL. 

But possibly the best way to celebrate? Scrolling through Twitter and laughing and/or crying over the best tweets about the precious doggos that have captured our hearts this year. Here are our favorites. 

1. What a mood

2. Ikea + dogs = match made in heaven

3. What YouTube was made for, to be honest

4. Possibly one of the greatest things to happen on Twitter

5. A dog’s best friend

6. Try not to cry reading this one

7. “Aye, why not?” 

8. Take notes

9. The superzoom function was made for this

10. Back to school ready!

May every day going forward be as good as National Dog Day. 

The film opens in the 1990s with Eleanor Young (Michelle Yeoh) attempting to claim her family’s reservation for the swankiest luxury suite at the Calthorpe hotel in London. When met with a racist concierge, she proves just how rich they are by calling her husband, who immediately buys the hotel. The Calthorpe is an invention, but London’s renowned Savoy hotel is a close proxy — a home away from home in Britain’s capital city for the richest among us with a storied history. The Royal Suite is the best the Savoy has to offer, with a selection of rooms with views of the Thames, a 24-hour butler and entourage at your fingertips, and a chauffered Rolls Royce at your disposal. The current running price is 14,000 pounds per night, or nearly $18,000.

A gunman opened fire Sunday at a Madden video game tournament along Jacksonville’s riverwalk, and Florida authorities reported multiple fatalities.

“Mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing. Stay far away from the area. The area is not safe at this time. STAY AWAY #TheLandingMassShooting” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a tweet.

“Multiple fatalities at the scene, many transported,” the sheriff’s office said. “We can’t stress enough to stay away. Many blocks away.”

One suspect is dead at the scene and it was unknown if there was a second shooter, the sheriff’s office said. A search was underway.

“We are finding many people hiding in locked areas at The Landing,” the sheriff’s office said. “We ask you to stay calm, stay where you are hiding. SWAT is doing a methodical search inside The Landing. We will get to you. Please don’t come running out.”

A live feed from the tournament was underway when the shooting took place, and the audio feed is interrupted by the sound of several gunshots.

Complexity Gaming, a professional gaming team that had a player participating in the event at the GLHF Game Bar, said on Twitter that “there appears to have been a shooting at the event.”

Complexity said that participant Grini Gjoka was grazed in the hand but was “away from the scene and safe.”

Gjoka tweeted that he was hit in the thumb when the tournament “got shot up.”

“Worst day of my life,” Gjoka said. “I will never take anything for granted ever again. Life can be cut short in a second.”

The Jacksonville Landing is an entertainment complex along the St. Johns River. The area includes waterfront restaurants and an indoor shopping mall. The gaming bar bills itself online as “Jacksonville’s home for gamers and nerds alike.” 

The shooting took place less than two days after a gunfire at a high school football game a few miles away left one person dead and two wounded.

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