Topic: Pope Benedict XVI

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Earth Day 2013: 10 quotes about planet Earth

Earth Day is April 22. There is no shortage of famous musings on what Carl Sagan once called our 'pale blue dot.' Here are 10 of our favorite things said about planet Earth.
What is a conclave? 7 things to know.

What, exactly, is a conclave? And how does it work? Here are 7 key points to understanding how the Vatican prepares to elect a pope.
Catholicism in Latin America: 5 key facts

Pope Benedict XVI began his second trip to Latin America on March 23, with stops in Mexico and Cuba. Here is a brief history of the Catholic church in the Americas.
In Pictures: Europe's love-hate relationship with the Pope
In Pictures: Venezuela after Chavez

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Fidel Castro, excommunicated in 1962, meets with Pope Benedict

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who once outlawed religion, met with Pope Benedict XVI today. Benedict's visit is part of a new Catholic strategy in a changing Cuba.
Global News Blog Why an Italian lawmaker's phone call trumps Obama's speech

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti's decision to take a call from an Italian lawmaker during President Barack Obama's speech highlights the tentativeness of his claim to authority.
Pope schedules last-minute meeting with Fidel Castro

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to meet with the former Cuban leader angered Castro critics because, they say, it gives the Cuban government legitimacy.
Latin America Monitor Pope in Cuba: Will he raise case of jailed American?

Many are watching to see if the pope mentions the case of imprisoned US aid worker Alan Gross. But the delicacy of his trip to Cuba makes it unlikely, writes guest blogger Girish Gupta.
Catholicism in a communist land: Pope Benedict XVI travels to Cuba

Cuba was declared an atheist state after the 1959 revolution, but many dissidents are looking to Pope Benedict XVI to help bring more political reform to the island.
Latin America Monitor Mexicans host Pope Benedict XVI, but say he's no Juan Pablo

A poll suggests Pope Benedict XVI had big shoes to fill in Mexico, where he celebrates Mass today before heading to Cuba.
Pope greeted by crowds upon arrival to Mexico

This is Pope Benedict XVI's first trip to the Latin American country; his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, made five trips over the course of his papacy.
Catholicism in Latin America: 5 key facts

Pope Benedict XVI began his second trip to Latin America on March 23, with stops in Mexico and Cuba. Here is a brief history of the Catholic church in the Americas.
Why the pope wants stronger ties with Mexico and Cuba

While the Catholic church is bolstering the faithful in Mexico and Cuba, it is also seeking closer ties with national governments during Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to these countries.
Churches and politicians should stay in their own lanes, say Americans

A record 38 percent of Americans, including 24 percent of Republicans, say their political leaders are talking too much about faith and prayer. Fifty-four percent say churches should stay out of politics, says a Pew Research Poll.
Anonymous hacker group claims to bring down Vatican website

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, confirmed the attack but declined to comment on its possible source. He said he didn't know how long it would take the Vatican's technicians to bring the site back up.
Growing Catholic divide over Mexico drug war

A bishop is among those alleging human rights abuses by state, but the church stands behind President Calderón's military-led crackdown on the Mexico drug war.
Latin America Monitor Fidel Castro death rumor shows paradoxes in Cuba

As 2012 kicks off, blogger Anya Landau French weighs in on the Cuban economic and social developments that she will assess as she visits Havana next week.
After dramatic 2011 in Cuba, will US-Cuban policy shift in 2012?

Guest blogger Melissa Lockhart reviews a year of what she calls big change in Cuba, little change in US policy.
'Most admired' list: Gingrich up, Palin down; Obama, Clinton still No. 1

For two years running, President Obama is the man Americans most admire, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is again the most-admired woman, a new Gallup survey shows. But the public’s views of other politicians shifted noticeably in 2011.
Czechs, world leaders remember 'irreplaceable' Vaclav Havel at funeral

World leaders inside Prague Castle, where Vaclav Havel's state funeral was held today, as well as thousands of Czechs gathered outside, marked him as an unforgettable part of both Czech and global history.
At Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage, Pope's possible Mexico visit ranks second

Vatican sources say that the Pope may soon announce plans to visit Mexico next year. But at Mexico's annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, reaction was muted.
Benetton ad: Offended Vatican vows legal action

Benetton ad showing the pope kissing a Muslim leader so shocked the Vatican that Benetton pulled the ad. But the Vatican plans to sue, anyway.
Benetton ads draw criticism from White House, Vatican

Benetton ads depicting President Obama and other heads of state kissing have been met with criticism from leaders and the faithful alike.
Susan Sarandon calls pope a Nazi, offends large segments of humanity

Susan Sarandon managed to offend both Jews and Catholics by reportedly calling Pope Benedict XVI a Nazi. Apparently her comment was an attempt to say something nice about Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II.
Troy Davis execution protest confronts support for death penalty

While the Troy Davis execution may not be a game-changer for the death penalty, it has become part of a growing conversation about ensuring that innocent people aren't killed or die in prison.
In Pictures: Europe's love-hate relationship with the Pope
Pope Benedict arrives in Berlin to a dissonant welcome

Pope Benedict XVI is starting his visit to Germany in Berlin, which is divided over his address to the Bundestag as well as his views on such issues as homosexuality and women's role in the church.
Did Troy Davis death-penalty case expose flaws in 'executive clemency'?

The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles stood firmly behind the 1991 murder conviction that put Troy Davis on death row. But the many doubts in the case have raised questions about 'executive clemency' as a fail-safe for the death penalty.
Troy Davis loses last-ditch clemency bid, after winning global support

Troy Davis, a death row inmate who garnered global support for his claims of innocence, was denied clemency Tuesday by a Georgia parole board. His execution is scheduled for Wednesday night.