World briefs

iraqAt least 39 dead in bombings

Nearly a dozen explosions tore through predominantly Shia Muslim areas in and around Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 39 people at crowded market places, commercial districts and car repair shops, officials said. The attacks are part of a wave of violence that has washed across Iraq since a deadly security crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in April. Insurgent groups frequently target civilians in cafes and public areas of Shia neighborhoods in an attempt to undermine confidence in the Shia-led government and stir up Iraq's already simmering sectarian tensions. The deadliest attack took place in the mostly Shia neighborhood of Baiyaa, where a car bomb exploded inside an auto shop, killing seven people and wounding 14 others, police said.

PhilippinesUN worries over typhoon aid

The United Nations is investigating reports that aid has yet to reach remote parts of the Philippines a month after a devastating typhoon, the UN humanitarian chief said today. Valerie Amos said she had expected that aid had been delivered by helicopter to survivors in even the most remote outlying islands following the Nov. 8 disaster. "Although we've got significant aid now coming in to the major centers, we still have a little bit of a worry that in a couple of the smaller islands that there may be needs there that we haven't managed to meet yet," she said.

ItalyPope prays among shoppers

Pope Francis, in the heart of Rome's fanciest shopping district, prayed yesterday that the poor are never forgotten. His appearance at the Spanish Steps follows a papal tradition of public prayer before a statue representing Mary on Dec. 8, a church holiday honoring the mother of Jesus. That date also marks the official start of Rome's Christmas shopping season. Francis wore a white, full-length, double-breasted coat in the chill as he greeted disabled faithful, children and others among the thousands in the square who took a break from window shopping and gift buying.