Archive for February, 2013
PRI’s The World: 02/28/2013 (Uruguay, Syria, Vatican City)
Pope Benedict officially steps down as leader of the Catholic Church. Also, the United States joins the “Friends of Syria” to offer non-lethal aid directly to Syrian rebel forces. Plus, a Cuban pianist and an Italian trumpeter take jazz to a new level.
Pope Benedict Says Goodbye and Catholics Around the World Think, Who’s Next?
As Pope Benedict XVI rode a helicopter out of the Vatican and into retirement, we gathered voices from Catholics in India, Brazil and Nigeria on what they’d like to see in their next Pontiff. Anchor Marco Werman also spoke with reporter Megan Williams on the ground in Rome about the mood there during the Pope’s farewell.
How Green Was Pope Benedict?
Before retiring, Pope Benedict XVI was praised by some as “the first Green Pope,” for calling attention to climate change and environmental degradation. But just how ‘green’ was the retiring pontiff? And how will his ideas influence his successor and the behavior of Catholics around the world?
Cartoon Slideshow: Benedict Vacates the Vatican
He’s no longer Pope. He’s now “Roman Pontiff Emeritus” or “Pope Emeritus” for short. And as for his purpose now, the ex-Pontiff said he’s “simply a pilgrim beginning the last leg of his pilgrimage on this Earth.” But that hasn’t stopped the Catholic flock and those outside the flock from asking everything from ‘what just happened?’ to ‘what now?’ Here’s how several political cartoonists from around the globe are reacting to the first papal resignation in 600 years.
Bradley Manning Offers ‘Naked Plea’
Thursday, US Army private Bradley Manning–who was charged with sharing a trove of classified documents with the group Wikileaks– shed some light on why he did it. Manning spoke at military hearing in Maryland. He pleaded guilty to some of the charges against him.
One Family’s View of Social Changes in Uruguay
Uruguay is undergoing a lot of changes. It’s legalizing abortion and marijuana sales. And it’s on the verge of approving same-sex marriage. Reporter Valeria Fernandez is a Uruguayan who lives in Arizona. She recently went back home and had some lively discussions about all the changes with members of her own family.
Mexicans Applaud Arrest of Union Boss Known As ‘The Teacher’
Mexicans are wondering what the arrest of teacher’s union leader Elba Esther Gordillo will mean for reform of the country’s corruption-riddled educational system. Reporter Franc Contreras tells anchor Marco Werman many Mexicans are calling for an end to rules that allow teacher tenure to be bought, sold and passed down from one generation to the next.
Music Heard on Air for February 28, 2013
Tunes spun on The World between our reports for February 28, 2013. Artists featured are: Ocote Soul Sounds, Adrian Quesada, Toubab Krewe, Etran Finatawa, Proem, Kila, Nguyen Le.
Washington Aid to Syrian Rebels ‘Too Little, Too Late’
The United States joined 11 other nations Thursday in agreeing to “change the balance of power on the ground” in Syria. At a meeting in Rome of the so-called “Friends of Syria,” Secretary of State John Kerry said the US would for the first time provide non-lethal aid directly to rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Stephane Hessel, Late Author of Human Rights Declaration, Still An Influence in Spain
The former French diplomat Stephane Hessel, who helped write the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has died at the age of 95. His writings were so popular in Spain that his publisher there asked him to write a new book just for Spaniards. It’s due to come out in two weeks, as The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.
The Case of the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery figures in our Geo Quiz. Retired police constable John Wooley remembers when he cracked open the investigation nearly 50 years ago (1963). He discovered the train robber’s hangout and their hidden stash of loot.
Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu Perform from their Album ‘Alma’
In an exclusive performance, Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and Italian trumpet player Paolo Fresu play songs from their recent album ‘Alma.’ In between songs they chat with Marco Werman about their collaboration.
PRI’s The World: 02/27/2013 (Canada, Japan, North Korea)
The results from the Italian elections may cause economic and political effects across Europe and possibly the US. Also, in a surprise move, North Korea opens up its mobile network to foreigners. And Canada launches a raunchy ad campaign to curb texting while driving.
Beppe Grillo, The Man at the Heart of Italy’s Political Gridlock
The big winners of Italy’s elections, former comedian Beppe Grillo and his anti-establishment Five Star Movement, are rejecting any talk of forming a ruling coalition and rattling the markets in the process. Anchor Marco Werman has excerpts of an interview Grillo gave the BBC Wednesday, explaining his thinking, and a clip from 20 years ago where Grillo tells a joke that still sounds relevant.
Economic and Political Ripple Effects Felt From Italian Elections
The effects from Italy’s fractured election results are likely to cause problems in the Eurozone and beyond, including here in the United States.
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