Chile: Fernando Karadima, priest defrocked for sexual abuses, dies

Some 30 countries around the world have already legalised gay marriage, but just a handful of them are in Latin America. They include Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and now Chile can be added to that list. People there celebrated this week as the Chilean Congress voted to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption. The decision now needs to be signed by the president, who backs the law.

Ahead of Chile's presidential run-off on Sunday, FRANCE 24's Cole Stangler takes a closer look at the country's economy and the contrasting visions of far-right candidate José Antonio Kast and left-wing contender Gabriel Boric.

At least 100 homes were burned down and 400 people were left homeless on Monday after fire broke out in a slum in the city of Iquique in northern Chile, local authorities reported.

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Magawa, the landmine-detecting "hero rat" has died aged eight, the NGO that trained him said in a news release on Tuesday.

Richard Leakey, a world-renowned Kenyan conservationist and fossil hunter has died aged 77. His groundbreaking work contributed to the recognition of Africa as the birthplace of humankind. He also spearheaded campaigns to stop poaching in Kenya, famously burning the country's stockpile of poached ivory.

Former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who led the country until he was ousted in a 2020 coup, has died at the age of 76.

Out of 24 members of Gabriel Boric's Cabinet, 14 are women. Leftist Boric also appointed a former Central Bank chief as finance minister, which has been seen as a shift to the political center.

French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, who dressed Beyonce and Lady Gaga, has died aged 73, according to a statement on Mugler's official Facebook page confirming earlier French media reports. Mugler, who reigned over fashion in the 1980s, was known for his daring theatrical designs featuring broad shoulders and plunging necklines. He dressed the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Diana Ross and Duran Duran - among many others - during his career at the top of the fashion industry.

One protester was killed as security forces confronted thousands of people protesting against military rule in Sudan's capital Khartoum on Sunday (January 30), medics linked to the demonstrations said. The 27-year-old, Mohamed Yousef Ismail, was hit in the chest, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said.

The US said the leader of the so-called "Islamic State" was "taken off the battlefield" in a raid in northwestern Syria. Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up during the raid, President Joe Biden said.

More and more people are crossing into Chile, most of them coming from Venezuela. Anti-immigration protesters are demanding tighter control of the borders. But that's unlikely to deter desperate Venezuelans fleeing political upheaval and poverty.