Pope, On Visit To Philippines, Defends Catholic Ban On Contraception
Francis, on the second day of his visit to the predominately Catholic nation, called for families to be "sanctuaries of respect for life."
religion
How Orwell's 'Animal Farm' Led A Radical Muslim To Moderation
When Maajid Nawaz was 16 he joined a radical Islamist group. After four years in prison in Egypt, he decided to leave it. "I'm very, very lucky to have been able to get through it," he says.
Pope Francis Backs Freedom Of Speech — But Within Limits
Francis said there are limits to freedom of speech, especially when it concerns religion. He was answering a question about the deadly attack last week on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Pope Francis Canonizes First Sri Lankan Saint
Francis is in Asia on a six-day tour intended to build the Roman Catholic Church's following on a continent that holds 60 percent of the world's population but only 12 percent of Catholics.
Kansas City Catholics Divided Over Vatican Investigation Of Bishop
Robert Finn, head of Kansas City's diocese, is the only U.S. bishop convicted of shielding a sexually abusive priest. Supporters say Finn received conflicting advice about how to handle the problem.
'Charlie Hebdo' Editor On New Issue: 'We're Happy To Have ... Done It'
Gerard Briard said when the artist showed the staff the cover — featuring a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad — everyone burst out laughing and "jumped up for joy."
Depictions Of Muhammad Aren't Explicitly Forbidden, Says Scholar
Many Muslims see any depiction of the Prophet Muhammad as disrespectful. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with religious scholar Reza Aslan about how radical Islamists have used that to justify attacks.
Vatican Committee Reportedly Declares Slain Archbishop A Martyr
Oscar Romero was gunned down in 1980 after he denounced a crackdown by El Salvador's junta on its left-wing opponents at the start of a 13-year civil war.
Nuns On The Ranch Give A Heavenly Twist To Beef
At a Colorado ranch run by Benedictine nuns, prayer and farming go hand in hand. "We have kind of a corner on the market" for grass-fed beef, says one sister. "People just kind of believe in it."
When You Gotta Go: Manila Police Asked To Use Diapers During Pope's Visit
The city's "traffic enforcers" will be on duty for up to 24 hours at a stretch during the pontiff's visit, with no time to run to the toilet.