Religion
A New Sex Manual Gives Ultra-Orthodox Jews the Facts of Life
An American-born Orthodox Jewish sex therapist in Jerusalem has written what he says is the first sexually explicit sex manual for ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox Jews.
Pope Francis and Argentina’s Dirty War
The new Pope, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was head of the Jesuit Order in Argentina during much of that nation’s darkest episode, the so-called Dirty War in the 1970s and early ’80s. That has led to some uncomfortable questions there about his role.
Pope Francis is a Diehard Fan of Buenos Aires Soccer Team San Lorenzo
Fans of the San Lorenzo professional soccer team in Buenos Aires are ecstatic about the new pope. The former Cardinal Bergoglio is a longtime fan of San Lorenzo. Anchor Marco Werman gets the details from The World’s William Troop.
Cartoon Slideshow: Satirists Welcome the New Pope
Electing a new pope is a solemn affair but now that he’s been elected (and it is still a ‘he’), well, Pope Francis is fair game for satirists. In this selection of cartoonists’ first impressions, look for white smoke in the shape of a continent, a reference to tango and more than one allusion to another Argentinian who has touched the hand of God. Hint: he played soccer.
Hugo Chavez and the Vatican
Venezuela’s interim President Nicholas Maduro, suggested that the late president Hugo Chavez might have “influenced” the selection of a Latin American pope from “his perch in heaven.” But during his lifetime, Chavez ridiculed Catholic leaders in Venezuela, saying they opposed his socialist revolution.
Papa Francisco! US Latinos Welcome New Pope But Big Hurdles Ahead
As word spread about the new Pope, many Latino Catholics in the US celebrated the historic choice of a pontiff from Argentina. But it is also clear that, just like in Latin America, the Catholic monopoly over Latin America immigrants is also shrinking, especially as evangelical churches and Pentecostal congregations rise.
Argentina’s Bergoglio Elected Pope
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected the Roman Catholic Church’s new Pope. The first Latin American to be Pope, he will call himself Francis I. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with religion reporter Jane Little to learn more.
The Unique Challenges of Being Catholic in China
Catholics in China are following the Vatican conclave as closely as their brethren elsewhere. But being Catholic in China has its own unique challenges. There, loyalty to the Pope can land you in jail.
Brazil’s Only Indigenous Religion Coming Into Its Own
This isn’t a church. It’s a “terreiro” – a place of worship for followers of the “Umbanda” faith. The people here burn incense and puff on cigars as they move with eyes closed and faces tense.
Extended Use: Europe’s Old Churches Finding New Life as Starbucks, Circus School
With the continuing economic crisis in Europe, many of the continent’s churches are struggling to stay open. A new movement called “extended use” is trying to save the old buildings, some of which are architectural wonders. The plan includes using some church buildings for circus schools and Starbucks shops.
Behind Conclave Doors: Choosing Pope Benedict XVI’s Successor
The conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI’s successor will likely get underway next week. Once it begins, the 115 cardinals who take part will be shut off from the world until a new pope is elected.
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.
Pope Benedict’s Farewell Audience
Pope Benedict XVI has given his final public audience as Pope. On Thursday, he officially steps down and becomes Pope Emeritus.
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