1. Pope Francis wasted no time delving into controversial political issues, opening his visit to the US with a strong call for action to combat climate change. It was a message sure to please the Obama White House and liberals in general but the pope had something for conservatives too with a pointed (of a remark of look expressing criticism in a direct and unambiguous way) call to protect religious liberties. Francis will deliver his first papal (of or relating to a pope or to the papacy) address to the Republican-majority Congress on Thursday. 

 

2. The European Commission proposed more than doubling financing to deal with the refugee crisis facing the 28-nation bloc (a combination of countries, parties, or groups sharing a common purpose). Around half a million people have fled to Europe so far this year in search of sanctuary (a place of refuge or safety) or jobs. 

 

3. Volkswagen announced that its CEO Martin Winterkorn was stepping down as it grappled with the emissions scandal. Several law firms are filing class action lawsuits against the company for its admission that it used special software to get its cars to pass US emission test. 

 

4. Mexico’s Colima Volcano released two huge plumes of ash and smoke. The second column spewed out by the ‘Fire Volcano’ reached an attitude at least 1.2 miles.