Religion
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he is to step down at the end of February because of his frail health. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Rome correspondent Megan Williams about reaction to the surprise announcement.
Pope Benedict XVI: First Pope to Resign in 600 Years
Pope Benedict XVI has announced his resignation. He’s the first Pope to quit in almost 600 years. Anchor Marco Werman gets context from Father James Bretzke, professor of moral theology at Boston College.
Pope Announces Resignation
Pope Benedict XVI surprises the world by becoming the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years.
Israeli Soccer Team Clamping Down on Violence and Racism
One of Israel’s leading professional soccer clubs is going through a nasty episode of intolerance – and violence. Some of the fans of Beitar Jerusalem are angry about their team signing two Muslims. Up until a few weeks ago, the team was the only one in Israel with an all-Jewish roster.
Spain Offers Citizenship to Descendants of Jews Forced Out During the Inquisition
Spain’s offer to welcome back the descendants of Sephardic Jews who were kicked out in 1492 comes with some fine print. The descendants are welcome only if they are still practicing Jews, and many see that as unfair.
Irish Government Admits Role in Magdalene Laundries
The Irish government has acknowledged that it played a major role in running the infamous Magdalene Laundries. Thousands of women and girls were locked up against their will, and forced to perform unpaid labor in workhouses managed by Catholic nuns. The popular notion was that many were prostitutes or unwed mothers. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Mary Fenton. She was just 16 when she was sent to the Magdalene Laundries.
Muslim Girl Band Praagaash Quits After Fatwa Issued in Kashmir
The all-girl rock band Praagaash caused quite a buzz in late 2012 when they competed in Kashmir’s Battle of the Bands. But now after a slew of threatening messages on Facebook and a fatwa issued over the weekend by a top Kashmir cleric, the girls have called it quits.
Daring to go Pantless in Jerusalem
Reporter Daniel Estrin reports that going pants-less was a daring thing to do in a city filled with large populations of religiously devout Jews and Muslims.
Hindus Moving Back to the Kashmir Valley
Religious and political violence nearly drove the entire Hindu minority away from the region, but some of those migrants are now returning, thanks to a new program by the Indian government.
Kita Nago: Walking Across Haiti for Unity
The Geo Quiz takes us to Haiti this time, where an unusual event is taking place. It’s a combination flashmob, religious pilgrimage, and parade, called Kita Nago, but what exactly is this Kita Nago? And where is it going?
Mali Welcomes French Intervention
The French intervention has been welcomed by many Malians hoping for an end to Islamist control of Mali’s north.
Egyptian Television Satirist Bassem Youssef in Trouble With Islamists
Television satirist Bassem Youssef has allegedly insulted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on his TV show. On his program, Youssef was seen sweet-talking and hugging a red furry pillow carrying President Morsi’s image, while mocking his speech style.
Tazaungdaing: Myanmar’s Festival of Lights
Tazaungdaing, also called Myanmar’s Festival of Lights, happens every year on the full moon day at the end of the eighth month of the Burmese Buddhist calendar.
The Growing Problem of Anti-Semitism in France
France is home to Western Europe’s biggest Jewish and Muslim populations. Tensions have been rising since last March, when a man named Mohamed Merah killed seven people – including three children at a Jewish school in Toulouse. The Merah case is extreme, but among an alarming number of anti-Semitic attacks across France this year.
Goth Service at St. Edward in Cambridge, UK, Featuring Leonard Cohen’s Music
Anchor Lisa Mullins visits Cambridge, England, where she stumbles upon a bizarre and fascinating church service. It features Goths in leather bustiers and the music of Leonard Cohen.
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