The nation that crashed to earth

Roaring crime gave Venezuela the horrific title of being one of the most violent countries on earth.Inflation ran into tens of thousands per cent, impoverishing nearly all of the country's 31......

When Venezuela's star stopped shining

In the '70s, when other Latin American nations were crumbling under ruinous debt, Venezuela remained economically solvent and politically stable.Not only was it a democracy in a continent plagued......

REWIND: Best moments from the month that was

Some of the best photographs, clicked across the globe in the month of January.   A girl kisses her father, a conscript, after a ceremony marking enrolment for new conscripts in the......

Who is Pope Francis I?

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected as the first Latin American Pope in history, taking the name of Pope Francis.Bergoglio, 76, reportedly got the second-most votes after Joseph......

Mario Zagallo, Brazil soccer legend, dies at 92

IMAGE: Brazilan football legend was the first person in the sport to win the World Cup as a player and a coach. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/Reuters Mario Zagallo, who won four soccer World Cups for......

Barca Beckons: Messi's father confirms his intentions

'Leo wants to return to Barca and I would also like him to return. We are confident that Leo can come back' Photograph: Kind courtesy Albert Gea/Reuters Lionel Messi, who last week played his last......

The Great Messi Mystery: Where Will He Go Next?

IMAGE: Lionel Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation. Photograph: Paris Saint-Germain/Twitter Lionel Messi has not "signed or agreed" a deal to play in Saudi Arabia......

Day 5: What's hot at the Beijing Winter Olympics

Jacobellis earns first US gold and long-awaited redemption IMAGE: Lindsey Jacobellis of the United States in action. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Lindsey Jacobellis claimed the first gold......

PICS: Hamilton breaks Schumi's F1 record with 92nd win

'I could never have dreamed of being where I am today.' IMAGE: Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Portuguese F1 Grand Prix at Algarve International Circuit in......