The Compass

Written by Catholic News Service
Tuesday, 21 May 2013 12:53
Trial had been focused on murders of more than 1,700 Ixil people. GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemala's highest court annulled the conviction of a former dictator found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. The constitutional court threw out the May 10 ruling against Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, 86, who had been sentenced to 80 years in prison for crimes carried out in 1982, when he allegedly initiated a policy of extermination of Mayans for their ties to Marxist guerrillas. The ruling was seen as historic in a country known for its impunity.
Read more: Guatemalan court annuls conviction of former dictator

Written by Catholic News Service
Tuesday, 21 May 2013 12:32
Area needs 'a lot of prayers' OKLAHOMA CITY — Even after the initial death toll was cut by more than half, the human and material devastation of a string of tornadoes that buffeted areas of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City May 19-20 was incalculable. "Our first concern is for the victims who have lost their lives or loved ones and suffered injury or loss of property," said a May 21 statement by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City.
Read more: Tornadoes exact deadly toll in Oklahoma

Written by Catholic News Service
Tuesday, 21 May 2013 12:23
Hundreds in cathedral at the time PARIS — Visitors were evacuated from Notre Dame Cathedral after a man committed suicide in the 850-year-old church, police said. News agencies reported that the man in his 70s walked up to the main altar and shot himself the afternoon of May 21 as tourists and worshippers were in the church.
Read more: Police evacuate Notre Dame after man commits suicide