Religion

Accountability At Center Of Catholic Church's Sex Abuse Scandal

10:57am April 09, 2016

As the church works through its sex-abuse crisis, the Vatican is struggling to figure out how to hold cardinals and bishops accountable, investigative journalist Jason Berry tells NPR's Scott Simon.

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Pope Francis Issues Major Document Regarding Family Issues

6:27pm April 08, 2016

The Vatican on Friday released a long-awaited document, entitled "The Joy of Love." Steve Inskeep talks to Joshua McElwee of the National Catholic Reporter about what's included in the pronouncement.

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Pope Francis Opens Door To Divorced Catholics In 'Amoris Laetitia'

4:26pm April 08, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with writer Rocco Palmo about Pope Francis' "Amoris Laetitia," or "The Joy of Love." The 256-page document was sent out Friday morning.

U.S. Catholics Divided Over Pope Francis' Family Life Guidelines

4:26pm April 08, 2016

by Tom Gjelten

Pope Francis released new guidelines on family life Friday arguing the church should show more understanding in matters affecting modern families. American Catholics have a range of reactions.

Pope Francis blesses a newlywed couple during his weekly audience in the Paul VI hall in Vatican City on Aug. 12, 2015.

Some Relationship Advice From Pope Francis

3:55pm April 08, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

In his new exhortation, "The Joy of Love," Francis addresses marriage, sex and love. For a 79-year-old man who has taken a lifelong vow of celibacy, the pontiff has some pretty solid tips.

Pope Francis at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday. On Friday he released a post-synodal apostolic exhortation called

Religion

On Divorce And Remarriage, Pope Calls For More Grace, Less Dogma

12:38pm April 08, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

On Friday, Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church should work with couples to determine the best choices for them. He spoke of prioritizing individual conscience on contraception, too.

States Ban Non-Essential Travel To Mississippi Over 'Religious Freedom' Law

6:31am April 07, 2016

by Hansi Lo Wang

The governors of New York, Washington, Vermont and Minnesota have banned state officials from making non-essential trips to Mississippi in response to the state's new "religious freedom" law. Critics of the policy say it allows groups to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Mississippi Residents Divided Over Guns In Churches Law

4:35pm April 06, 2016

by Paul Boger

A Mississippi bill that would allow congregants to carry a concealed firearm into a place of worship is about to become law. Some congregations believe the measure will bolster security. Others worry it could bring more anxiety.

Businesses Follow 'Public's Will' In Denouncing 'Religious Freedom' Laws

4:01pm April 06, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with business strategies consultant Susan McPherson about reactions by corporations to the "religious freedom" law passed in Mississippi and similar laws in other states.

Pakistani refugees go on a hunger strike during a protest against the EU's deportation deal with Turkey at Moria Refugee Camp in Lesbos, Greece, on Wednesday. The pope and the Orthodox Church's ecumenical patriarch may be visiting the island soon.

Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew May Visit Greece This Month

3:59pm April 06, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The visit by the leaders of the Eastern and Western churches — announced by Greek church and government officials, but not confirmed by the Vatican — would signal support for migrants and refugees.