Pro-democracy protesters faced off with Hong Kong police as student leaders staged rallies for democratic reforms.  Protesters surrounded the government headquarters but were stopped by police. Officers broke up the demonstration using pepper spray. 

 

Pope Francis demanded an end to persecution of religious minorities in Syria and Iraq during his visit to Turkey. The pontiff called for constructive dialogue with Muslims and urged leaders in the region to intensify assistance to victims of IS militants. Pope met with Turkish religious leaders during his three-day visit.

 

And in India nearly a thousand gay rights activists marched through New Delhi Sunday to demand an end to discrimination. Supporters sang songs and danced through city streets, calling for an end to a ban on same-sex relations. The colonial-era law makes gay sex punishable by up to ten years in prison.