Take a break from your last-minute shopping, and catch up on this week’s news. (Although tomorrow is the last day the postal service guarantees Christmas delivery for priority mail.) Let’s jump right in:
First, the long-awaited final report of the Vatican’s investigation of American nuns was released Tuesday, and everyone’s pretty pleased that it was mostly positive.
Taliban militants attacked a school in Peshawar, Pakistan and killed more than 100 people, most of whom were children. A suicide car bomb attack in Yemen also killed 26 people including at least 16 children traveling on school bus nearby. And earlier in the week, two of 17 hostages held in a Sydney café were killed. The Iranian-born hostage-taker Man Haron Monis also died in the crisis.
The United States and Cuba have restored diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of turmoil. And it seems Pope Francis played a significant role. Vox also has answers to questions about this whole thing that you’re probably too embarrassed to ask.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan cut all ties with “Priests for Life,” the anti-abortion group founded by the Rev. Frank Pavone.
Catholic comedian Stephen Colbert, who played conservative talk show host “Stephen Colbert” on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, said farewell to the nation Thursday after 9 years on the air. Colbert will replace David Letterman on CBS’s Late Show in 2015.
Sony confirmed it has no plans for an international release of The Interview, its satirical film about a plot to kill North Korea’s leader, following threats from hackers. George Clooney offered some thoughts that are worth a read.
And now for the papal rapid fire roundup:
This week, Pope Francis:
- Celebrated his birthday with cake, tango, and chicken.
- Bought 400 sleeping bags.
- Decided to open the papal farm to the public.
