Pope Francis' Causes Take On Greater Urgency
Pope Francis turned 80 years old earlier this month. This past year, the pope has focused on refugees, Christian unity and controversial reform within the church itself.
Europe
U.K.'s Queen Misses Christmas Service But Offers Message Of 'Great Love'
A cold prevented the queen from attending services for the first time anyone can remember. Her prerecorded message offered encouragement to those overwhelmed by the world's problems.
Pope Francis Offers A Message Of Peace In Annual Christmas Day Blessing
Pope Francis offered a message of peace on Sunday to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square in his annual Christmas blessing. He called for peace in Syria and other countries "scarred by war."
Dutch War Hero's 270-Oear-Old Menorah Auctions Off For $440K
Host Ailsa Chang speaks with Annelies de Boer about the sale of an 18th century menorah. It belonged to the family of a famous Dutch Jewish resistance fighter killed by Nazis and sold for $440,000.
After Berlin Market Attack, Nearby Churchgoers Look For Compassion
There's a church right next to the Christmas Market attacked in Berlin last week. Yesterday, the Pastor there delivered his Christmas sermon.
Russian Military Plane, With 92 Aboard, Crashes Into Black Sea
The Russian Defense Ministry says the Syria-bound aircraft dropped off radar early Sunday, soon after taking off from Sochi. There's no indication of any survivors, and the cause remains unknown.
'No One Eats Alone On Christmas': Restaurant Serves Free Meals To Homeless, Elderly
The Muslim-owned restaurant is expecting hundreds to attend their free, three-course meal on Christmas day.
Amid Reelection, Angela Merkel Faces Criticism For Germany's Open-Door Migrant Policy
It's an article of faith that the migrant influx and this week's terror attack in Berlin cloud Chancellor Angela Merkel's reelection chances next year. She's safe, says Die Zeit editor Josef Joffe.
Latest In Sports: Putin Denies Sponsored Russian Doping
President Vladimir Putin denies his government sponsors sports doping, but some competitions have pulled out of Russia after new evidence emerges from an international inquiry.
Get In The Christmas Spirit: A Popular Victorian Ghost Story
Back in the 19th century, ghost stories were all the rage at Christmastime. NPR's Linda Wertheimer reads a spooky Victorian tale.