Pope Francis Visits Iraq 

Pope Francis left Rome today for a four-day trip to Iraq. He was accompanied by his entourage, a security detail, and around 75 journalists, as he left the Leonardo da Vinci airport to Baghdad. Iraq is deploying thousands of security personnel to protect the pope during his visit.

China Increases Power Over HK 

During its annual parliamentary session on Friday, China proposed legislation that would increase its power over Hong Kong by making adjustments to the electoral committee that chooses the city’s leader, giving it new authority to nominate legislative candidates. Beijing also revealed its upcoming five-year plan, stressing the commitment to become self-sufficient.

Tsunami Threat Passes 

Huge series of undersea quakes hit the north-east of New Zealand on Friday. Tsunami waves passed without causing much damage. Officials had warned that waves could reach three meters above high tide levels, but the threat had passed by the afternoon.

S. Korea-US Defense Cost Sharing 

South Korea is seeking to sign a deal with Washington on sharing defense costs for the stationing of nearly thirty thousand US forces in the country, its chief envoy said. South Korean sources have raised hopes the Biden administration will agree to an agreement close to their proposal.