Pope sought therapy, book says
ROME— At age 42, Pope Francis had weekly sessions with a psychoanalyst for about six months “to clarify some things,” according to excerpts from a new book by a French sociologist due to be published next week.
Excerpts from the book, “Pope Francis: Politics and Society. Conversations with Dominique Wolton,” were published Thursday in Le Figaro Magazine in France.
Francis, now 80, did not explain in detail why he had decided to pursue therapy, but he said he felt that he needed it and that it had helped him a lot, according to the book.
Vatican analysts noted that Francis was a Jesuit official in Argentina at the time, when the country was ruled by a military dictatorship. In Argentina, psychoanalysis is commonplace and does not carry the taboo it has in many other countries.
Turkey blasts charges
Turkey’s president on Friday denounced what he called the “scandalous” U.S. judicial system, responding to new indictments of his bodyguards over a brawl during his May visit to Washington.
The remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored his view of the indictments as another affront in an increasingly strained relationship with the U.S.
Members of Mr. Erdogan’s armed security detail were captured on video punching, kicking and choking pro-Kurdish protesters, including U.S. citizens, outside the Turkish ambassador’s residence in Washington. Video showed that Mr. Erdogan witnessed the brawl. At least 11 people were injured, police said.
Twelve Turkish security officers were charged in June in connection with the attack. A federal grand jury indicted three more Tuesday. Four others also have been charged.
Officers get more guns
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Police in Finland released a third suspect Friday in a fatal stabbing attack allegedly carried out by a Moroccan asylum-seeker, a development that came hours after the Nordic country’s news agency said officers will be issued MP5 submachine guns in addition to their usual equipment.
The released man was arrested a week ago on suspicion of helping plan the Aug. 18 attack that killed two and injured eight, authorities said.
The main suspect — a Moroccan asylum-seeker whose application was denied — is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder with terrorist intent.
Muslims mark holiday
MINA, Saudi Arabia — Muslims around the world celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday on Friday as about 2 million Muslim pilgrims carried out the final rites of the annual hajj here.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims made their way toward a massive complex in Mina, where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk the Prophet Ibrahim out of submitting to God’s will.