Europe

French workers burn tires outside the Goodyear tire factory in Amiens, France, on Tuesday, after Titan CEO Maurice Taylor criticized French workers in a letter addressed to Industrial Renewal Minister Arnaud Montebourg.

U.S. Boss Offers Blunt Critique; French Workers Give Fiery Response

8:01pm March 01, 2013

by Eleanor Beardsley

The Illinois-based Titan tire company was weighing the purchase of an ailing factory in France. But in a leaked letter, Titan's CEO said the deal was off because the workers were unproductive and the unions "crazy." A war of words has ensued.

Queue Listen Now

Without A Pope, Cardinals Are Running The Vatican

6:37am March 01, 2013

The Vatican is now under the control of the cardinals who will elect a new leader of the Catholic Church. On Thursday, Pope Benedict gave up his ring, cape and red papal shoes and became pope emeritus.

Queue Listen Now

Delays, Problems Plague Berlin's New Airport

6:29am March 01, 2013

The new Berlin International Airport was scheduled to open for business in October 2011, but they missed that deadline. Trouble with safety equipment caused delays. But one system is working: All the airport lights are on. Work crews, however, can't seem to turn the lights off.

Queue Listen Now

Benedict XVI Leaves The Vatican, Headed To Retirement

12:04pm February 28, 2013

The first pope to retire in centuries will stay at the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo until an apartment for him at the Vatican is renovated. Meantime, preparations for electing a new pope are under way.

Queue Listen Now

A waiter carries beer mugs during the 2012 Oktoberfest in Munich.

Germans Are Drinking Less Beer These Days, But Why?

5:57pm February 27, 2013

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Despite Germany's long association with beer, it looks like its citizens are imbibing less of their celebrated beverage now than they did a generation ago. Some cite the economy as a factor; others, the rise of health consciousness.

Queue Listen Now

The Hermit Pope Who Set The Precedent For Benedict XVI

9:15pm February 26, 2013

by Philip Reeves

Pope Benedict XVI leaves office this week, the second pope to resign voluntarily. The first was Celestine V, a hermit who quit in 1294, after a brief and disastrous stint. Some scholars say Dante damned Celestine as a coward in his Inferno. Yet his example, legally and spiritually, played a major role in Benedict's departure.

Queue Listen Now

World News

'Time Is Ripe' For U.S. To Support Syrian Opposition

9:44am February 26, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

As John Kerry undertakes his first foreign trip as Secretary of State, the challenges before him are great — especially the war in Syria. He holds a town hall meeting Tuesday in Berlin, which will give us a look at his style and public-diplomacy skills — areas where his predecessor Hillary Clinton excelled.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Irish Women Emerge From Shadows Of 'National Shame'

12:45pm February 25, 2013

by NPR Staff

Thousands of women were taken into Magdalene Laundries, run by the Catholic Church, and forced to work without pay. The practice went on for decades after Ireland's independence, with the last one closing in 1996. For the first time, the state has acknowledged and apologized for its role in facilitating the practice.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Corruption Reigns In Spain; King's Son-In-Law Accused Of Embezzling

10:26am February 22, 2013

by Lauren Frayer

Spain has had more than its share of corruption stories, and they have the added sting of coming at a time of economic crisis. The king's son-in-law, accused of stealing millions in public funds, faces a judge this weekend.

Queue Listen Now

Comedian-turned-politician Beppe Grillo addresses supporters at a rally on Feb. 12 in Bergamo, Italy. Many pollsters say his populist Five Star Movement could come in third in this weekend's election.

World News

'The Real Jiminy Cricket': Unlikely Candidate Upends Italian Elections

8:24am February 22, 2013

by Sylvia Poggioli

Comedian-turned-politician Beppe Grillo's populist Five Star Movement is soaring in the polls ahead of elections this weekend. His rallies have attracted tens of thousands of Italians tired of a poor economy, widespread corruption and political patronage. But there are concerns that no one knows what Grillo's movement stands for.

Queue Listen Now