Topic: Pope Benedict XVI

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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: Hugo Chavez the showman
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/29
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/26

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Northeast Italy shaken by biggest quake there since the 1300s

The 6.0-magnitude temblor left at least four dead and cracked bell towers, crumbled church facades, and caved in roofs in the region around Bologna early Sunday.
‘Spring’ delayed as Cuba follows China's model

Pope Benedict XVI’s call for 'authentic freedom' during his recent visit to Cuba is unlikely to spur democracy. But other factors suggest economic changes are under way, patterned after the Chinese example, namely creating a market economy under an authoritarian, communist political system.
Suicide car bombing kills 38 in Nigeria on Easter Sunday

Authorities believe the attacker was trying to detonate explosives near churches holding Easter services on Sunday.
Latin America Monitor
Pope in Cuba: Trip shows how church playing balancing act (+video)

The pope did not meet with dissidents. But his trip was about building on gains the church has won in Cuba, says guest blogger Anya Landau French.
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.
Latin America Monitor
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.