Religion

In this image taken from a video provided by Adnkronos International, Ali Agca stands in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on Saturday. Agca, who tried to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, laid flowers at the late pontiff's tomb.

Pope John Paul II's Would-Be Assassin Lays Roses At His Tomb

3:54pm December 28, 2014

by Scott Neuman

In 1981, Mehmet Ali Ağca shot the pontiff twice at close range as the pope's open motorcade passed through St. Peter's Square. He was jailed for three decades before his release in 2010.

'The Bishop's Wife' Tracks A Killer In A Mormon Community

11:10am December 27, 2014

by NPR Staff

The mystery about the disappearance of a young Mormon woman was inspired by a real-life story. Author Mette Ivie Harrison talks about her own struggles with faith and stereotypes of Mormon mothers.

Queue Listen Now

An Iraqi Christian prays inside a shrine on the grounds of the Mazar Mar Eillia Catholic Church in Irbil, in northern Iraq. Irbil has become home to hundreds of Iraqi Christians who fled their homes as the Islamic State advanced earlier this year.

With Each New Upheaval In Iraq, More Minorities Flee

11:10am December 27, 2014

by Deborah Amos

"We like Iraq, but Iraq doesn't like us," says a displaced Christian man. He's just one of example of religious minorities who have been dislodged from parts of Iraq where they have ancient roots.

Queue Listen Now

Citing 'Historical Inaccuracies,' Egypt Bans 'Exodus' From Theaters

11:10am December 27, 2014

The movie Exodus: Gods and Kings has been banned in Egypt on the grounds of "inaccuracies" and a "Zionist view of history."

Queue Listen Now

Religion

Irish Court OKs Turning Off Life Support For Brain-Dead Pregnant Woman

8:13am December 26, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Doctors told the High Court the 18-week fetus' prospects of survival were low. There have been two similar cases in Ireland since 2001; both fetuses died in the womb. The decision won't be appealed.

Pope Francis: 'Many Tears This Christmas'

8:46am December 25, 2014

by Scott Neuman

In his annual Christmas Day blessing, the pontiff condemned killing in Iraq, Syria and Pakistan and the "brutal persecution" of religious and ethnic minorities.

Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience, on Dec. 17, in Vatican City. Even among non-Catholics, the pope's popularity is high.

Pope Francis And His Gift For Blending The Spiritual And The Political

7:00am December 25, 2014

by Sylvia Poggioli

Despite detractors within the church, Pope Francis' emphasis on humility and mercy has won him strong support worldwide. He has addressed thorny issues such as Vatican finances and clerical sex abuse.

Queue Listen Now

Curator Timothy Verdon says "Mary is unexpectedly fashionable" in Fra Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child, painted in the 1460s.

Mother, Empress, Virgin, Faith: 'Picturing Mary' And Her Many Meanings

10:56am December 24, 2014

by Susan Stamberg

This Christmas, images of Mary created over five centuries glow on the walls of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Curator Kathryn Wat says that, to her, Mary represents bravery and strength.

Queue Listen Now

Pope To Vatican Leaders: In-Fighting Must Stop

6:26pm December 23, 2014

Pope Francis gave a harsh Christmas speech this week, diagnosing the Vatican leadership with "spiritual Alzheimers." Vatican watcher Rocco Palmo tells NPR's Audie Cornish about the pope's message.

Queue Listen Now

The Satanic Temple holiday display at the Florida Capitol on Monday — before it was vandalized.

Satanic Temple's Holiday Display Vandalized In Florida Capitol

5:50pm December 23, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

A woman is in custody and the atheist group behind the display said it plans to press charges. The diorama of Lucifer falling into the flames of hell was part of the rotunda's free speech zone.