French patients keep HIV at bay despite stopping drugs A small French study of 14 HIV patients who have remained healthy for years after stopping drug treatment offers fresh evidence that early medical intervention may lead to a "functional cure" for AIDS.
New Pope warns Church of dangers of inaction Pope Francis has warned that the troubled Catholic Church risks becoming little more than a charity with no spiritual foundations if it fails to undergo renewal.
Mistrust in Mali for its soldiers in sandals On the banks of the River Niger, mud-walled buildings festooned with tricolours mark out the ancient trading post of Gao, Mali's largest northern city where the French have been welcomed as heroes.
14 March 2013
Pope Francis hailed, urged to work for peace World leaders and Catholics hailed the election of Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina as the first Latin American pope on Wednesday, urging him to work for religious reconciliation and peace.
Argentina's Bergoglio elected first Latin American pope Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on Wednesday, becoming the first Latin American pontiff in an astonishing decision that raises hopes of greater openness for the troubled Catholic Church.
14 March 2013
Britain's giant pandas get in the mood He is performing handstands and eating constantly, and she is spraying her home with alluring scents -- all the signs point to mating season for Britain's giant pandas.
Argentine president slams Falklands vote as 'parody' Argentine President Cristina Kirchner Tuesday slammed as a "parody" the referendum in the disputed Falkland islands, where residents voted in favor of remaining a British overseas territory.
All eyes on Vatican chimney as world awaits new pope Cardinals prepared for a second day of conclave behind the Vatican's walls to elect a pope on Wednesday, with all eyes on a chimney that will signal when there is a new leader for the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Saudi death from SARS-like virus: WHO A SARS-like virus that has struck in Britain and the Middle East has claimed a new victim in Saudi Arabia, bringing the global toll from the mystery illness to nine.