Trump says Venezuela’s move to democracy is ‘irreversible’

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump sought Monday to rally support in the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S. for opposition leader Juan Guaido, saying Venezuela’s “current path toward democracy is irreversible.” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Trump has “strong support” for Guaido, whom the U.S. recognizes as the country’s rightful president, and he condemns President Nicolas Maduro’s government. The Venezuelan military has largely remained loyal to Maduro.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Catholic Diocese of Oakland, California, has released the names of 45 priests, deacons and religious brothers who officials say are “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors. The San Francisco Chronicle said Monday that Oakland’s list goes back to 1962 – when the diocese was founded. None of the men are currently in the ministry. Of the 45 people named, 20 were priests. Oakland is the latest in a series of dioceses across the country to release names amid a scandal involving pedophile priests.

NEW ORLEANS – Five people waiting at a downtown New Orleans bus stop were wounded by gunfire during a police shootout with an armed robbery suspect, authorities said. The shootout happened Sunday night, and officials said the robbery suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police that stretched over two city blocks. Police said officers investigating two armed robberies that happened last week confronted a man deemed a person of interest in the crimes.

ROME – A complex of ancient temples in Rome that are linked to the scene of Julius Caesar’s murder will be opened to the public. The below-street-level temple ruins at Largo Argentina in downtown Rome are visible to pedestrians peering from above but closed to visitors. For decades, access was limited to a colony of cats, the cadre of volunteers who fed them and, occasionally, archaeologists. But Mayor Virginia Raggi announced Monday that by late 2021, walkways will be built inside the site so tourists can stroll through the ruins.