Pope reveals support for same-sex unions in documentary
Pope Francis has expressed his support of same-sex civil unions. The Pope’s beliefs on the topic were revealed during a documentary entitled ‘Francesco’. The documentary, which follows the Pope, debuted this week in Rome. The response has been a mix of support and criticism. Hollywood celebrities and activists have praised the remarks commenting with overall approval for the Pope’s comments. Critics and conservatives within the Catholic Church expressed disapproval and confusion over the remarks. In 2003 according to Vatican documents and news reports, the Pope had previously supported efforts to stop the recognition of same-sex unions in Argentina. During his campaign then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the future Pope referred to same-sex unions or marriage as a war on God. Critics now point out that the Pope has changed his views since 2010 and is rumored to have a same-sex couple in his inner circle. Pope Francis is the first pope in the Catholic Church’s history to openly support same-sex unions of any kind. Pope Francis was elected to the office of Pope in 2013. The Catholic Church is expected eventually to split between conservatives and the more liberal followers after the comments from the Pope.
Senate Committee approves Justice Coney-Barrett
The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to approve Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The committee has continued to have controversy among its members; Democrats on the committee refused to attend the final vote in protest. Committee members that protested say Republicans are trying to pack the court with conservative judges. Those protesting the hearings say the Supreme Court vacancy should remain open until after the elections. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham says Justice Coney-Barrett deserves an answer yes or no from the committee after going through the Senate hearings. An official vote to approve or deny the justice is expected tomorrow.
US& Israeli officials hint at upcoming normalization deal with Sudan
U.S. and Israeli officials say they are closer to deal with Sudan. According to officials on both sides they are currently in talks to normalize relations between Israel and Sudan. The Trump Administration announced that they are working to remove Sudan from the terror blacklist. Sudanese officials in return agreed pay over 300 million dollars to the families of American victims and survivors of the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in that country. An Israeli official says they expect relations between the two nations to normalize before the U.S. national elections. Sudan is a part of a growing number of Muslim countries looking to build a relationship with Israel. Including Sudan about six countries have announced talks or a peace deal with Israel more countries are expected to follow soon.
SNBC Health News: the health benefits of flavanols
According to research in the United Kingdom doctors found benefits to the body from the nutrient flavanol. Found in several foods, this nutrient is believed to help lower blood pressure. Researchers studied subjects who had a diet rich in tea (mainly black and green teas), berries and apples. The researchers then ran tests and discovered the subjects had lower blood pressure compared to those without a flavanol rich diet. Dark chocolate also contains flavanol, but it is only found in chocolate that is not heavily processed. A research study conducted by the Mars candy company found the process to make chocolate candy destroys flavanols found in chocolate. Researchers say U.K. consumers get their flavanol nutrient mainly from tea while Americans get more flavanol from berries and apples.