Europe

Installation Mass Launches Pope Francis' Papacy

10:42am March 19, 2013

At a mass in St. Peter's Square, the pope appealed to political leaders of the world to protect the environment, the poor and the marginalized. Representatives of the world's major religions were present, as well as some 132 delegations from all over the world.

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World News

Cyprus Proposes Exempting Smaller Deposits From Tax

10:42am March 19, 2013

The government of Cyprus is trying to ease fears over a proposed tax on bank deposits. Newly proposed legislation would exempt savers with smaller accounts. It's part of a bailout plan for that Mediterranean country, negotiated with the E.U. and IMF over the weekend.

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EU Bailout Tax Sparks Bank Run In Cyprus

10:08am March 19, 2013

Citizens of Cyprus did not react well to the news that their government wants to allow the European Union to take nearly 10 percent of their savings deposits in exchange for a $13 billion bailout. Banks are closed through Tuesday after worries over bank runs. Depositors stood in long lines to withdraw money over the weekend.

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World News

Confidence In Cyprus Banks Falters As Government Proposes Deposit Tax

5:54pm March 18, 2013

by Jim Zarroli

Cyprus is facing a run on its banks after the government proposed taxing bank deposits. The government has put off a vote on the plan in a bid to calm things down. Banks are set to re-open on Thursday after a bank holiday was declared on Monday.

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Napoleon's Ring To Josephine Up For Auction

12:38pm March 18, 2013

When Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Josephine, he gave her an engagement ring: a diamond and sapphire set side by side — both tear-shaped. Josephine shed many tears when her beloved divorced her, so he could produce an heir. Still, on his death bed, Napoleon's last word was: Josephine.

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Diners eat at Fouquet's restaurant, a landmark on the Champs Elysees in Paris for more than a century. Traditional cafes and shops are steadily giving way to large global chains.

World News

As Global Chains Move In, The Champs Elysees Gets A New Look

6:49pm March 14, 2013

by Eleanor Beardsley

Some Parisians worry that an avenue once considered the most beautiful in the world is starting to take on the character of an American shopping strip.

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The New York City Zara store on Fifth Avenue.

World News

The Reclusive Spanish Billionaire Behind Zara's Fast Fashion Empire

8:18pm March 12, 2013

by Lauren Frayer

Amancio Ortega has just bumped Warren Buffett off his No. 3 spot on Forbes' list of billionaires. The Spanish entrepreneur's clothing chain has become highly popular around the world, but do you know the man behind the label?

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World News

Bolshoi Dancer Confesses To Masterminding Attack

6:53am March 07, 2013

In Russia, a prominent dancer with the fabled Bolshoi Ballet has confessed to ordering an attack on the company's director. The director suffered third degree burns after acid was thrown onto his face. For more on the scandals at the Bolshoi, Renee Montagne talks to writer Christina Ezrahi, author of Swans of the Kremlin: Ballet and Power in Soviet Russia.

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John Kerry, A 'Recovering Politician,' Settles Into Diplomatic Role

8:44pm March 06, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

John Kerry's first trip as secretary of state took him to Europe — where he spent time growing up as the son of a diplomat. Kerry, who also had stops in the Middle East, says he can't speak as freely now as when he was a senator.

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German Man Caught Impersonating A Cardinal

11:18am March 06, 2013

The world is speculating furiously about who will be the next Pope. The wait was too much for one German man, who tried to sneak into a closed-door meeting of cardinals. He was thrown out by the Swiss Guard after someone noticed his crucifix was too short and his sash was just a purple scarf.

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