Quake hits

Philippines

DAVAO, Philippines (AP) — A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake has rocked the southern Philippines, killing at least 35 people. Most of the deaths occurred in Sarangani province due to a landslide.

The quake struck Monday, causing buildings to collapse and triggering small tsunamis. Waves were detected as far away as Japan. Officials report more than 200 injuries and significant damage in General Santos city. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered disaster-response efforts.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center lifted its alert hours after the quake. The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

Pope meets

survivors

MADRID (AP) — The Vatican says that Pope Leo XIV has met with six survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Madrid and vowed to consider their suggestions for how the Catholic Church can improve its response to the crisis.

The meeting on Monday, which followed in the tradition of popes meeting with abuse survivors during their foreign trips, lasted about an hour and took place at the Vatican Embassy in Madrid, the Vatican said in a statement.

Spain’s Catholic hierarchy has only recently begun reckoning with its legacy of abuse and cover-up after long dismissing the severity of the scandal that came to light thanks to reporting by the newpaper El País.

Apple unveils

upgraded Siri

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple is unveiling new artificial intelligence features at its annual developers conference. The World Wide Developers Conference started Monday. It’s the last one featuring CEO Tim Cook before he turns his post over to John Ternus in September. The conference attracts thousands of developers from some 65 countries to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters. It usually focuses on software, in contrast to the fall unveiling of the latest iPhones. Apple showed off updates on new AI features, including upgrades to its Siri assistant. Apple says it’s focusing on day-to-day use and privacy.