Pope Benedict XVI To Resign Feb. 28
Pope Benedict announced Monday morning he is retiring at the end of the month. He will be the first pontiff to step aside in six centuries.
Europe
Vatican 'Surprised' By Pope's Resignation Announcement
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he will resign on February 28 because he no longer has the strength to fulfill the duties of his office. For more details, Renee Montagne speaks with journalist Josephine McKenna in Rome.
Bulgaria Links Hezbollah To Deadly Attack On Israelis
The attack at a Black Sea resort town last July killed five Israeli tourists and one Bulgarian citizen. In response, the White House called Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, a "real and growing threat not only to Europe, but to the rest of the world."
Spain's Wind Farms Break Energy Record
For the first time, electricity production from Spanish wind mills topped that of nuclear, coal and solar. Spain's location in the south of Europe means it's endowed with lots of sunshine and clear windy skies — which it's put to use becoming a leader in renewable energy.
Privatization Of Greek Assets Runs Behind Schedule
The sweeping fire sale is a requirement for multibillion-euro bailouts. And the Chinese, Russian and Arab companies lining up to take advantage of the steep discounts are making Greeks and other Europeans nervous.
For Greeks, Painful Cuts Keep Tearing At The Social Fabric
Three years of austerity measures are hitting ordinary Greeks hard. Unemployment is nearly 27 percent and rising, and the once dependable safety net of welfare benefits is being pulled in. Further cutbacks and tax hikes are about to kick in.
In Moscow, Scandals Shake A Storied Ballet
The Bolshoi Ballet is deeply beloved in Russia. But a series of recent scandals — capped by a nasty acid attack on the company's artistic director in mid-January — has sent shock waves through artistic circles.
Violence At Both Ends Of Political Spectrum Threatens Greece
Debt-burdened Greece's fragile political stability is under attack. On the left, anti-government groups have bombed a series of Greek government offices, banks and other symbols of the establishment. Meanwhile, violent attacks by supporters of a neo-Nazi and anti-immigrant party are also on the rise.
How A Spanish City Went Boom, Then Bust
Valencia, which once spent lavishly on tourism projects, now epitomizes the worst of Spain's economic problems. Its landscape is littered with empty and half-finished buildings, and the regional government has run out of funds to repair schools.
Where's The Beef? Burger King Finds Horsemeat In Its U.K. Patties
The fast food giant said this week that some of its burgers in Britain and Ireland were found to contain horsemeat. That's prompted a Twitter campaign and threats of a boycott.