Italian senate passes same-sex union bill
The Italian senate has passed a bill that grants legal recognition to non-married heterosexual and homosexual couples. The final parliamentary vote to ratify the bill is expected in two months. The bill has provoked public debate and mass protests.
Pardon 1,000 inmates, say Indian Franciscans
A national assembly of Franciscans in India has voted to ask the government to pardon 1,000 prisoners guilty of minor crimes, in honour of the Year of Mercy.
