MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Peru's President denied Congressional clearance to attend Francis' funeral

Peru's Congress voted Wednesday by 45 to 40 and one abstention against allowing President Dina Boluarte to travel to the Vatican for Pope Francis' funeral. The decision came amid a domestic insecurity crisis, with opposition lawmakers criticizing the trip as unnecessary and extravagant. Instead, Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer will represent the South American country. Read full article