Religion

Pope Francis To Focus On Social Justice Issues During Trip To Africa

6:32pm November 24, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

It's the 11th trip of his papacy and the most dangerous. The pope will visit Kenya, Uganda and Central African Republic, a nation split apart by bloody conflict between Muslims and Christians.

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In the Nairobi slum of Kangemi, a poster welcomes Pope Francis to Kenya.

A Pope's Visit May Bring Hope, But Does It Also Bring Change?

5:17pm November 24, 2015

by Anders Kelto

During a papal visit, the media swarm and security is intense. He speaks of issues that face the country. After he goes, is there any lasting legacy?

Mormon Woman Grapples With New Church Guidelines On Same-Sex Relationships

4:24pm November 24, 2015

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently issued a handbook that outlines a strict policy toward Mormons in same-sex relationships. Children of parents in same-sex relationships can no longer be baptized at age 8, and Mormons in same-sex relationships face discipline from the church. NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Berta Marquez, an LGBT activist and active Mormon, about the new guidelines.

Buddhism Is Waning In Japan

7:37am November 22, 2015

Thousands of Japan's historic Buddhist temples are expected to shut down. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Ian Reader, an expert on Japanese culture, on how Buddhism is changing in the country.

The remains of St. Maria Goretti lie near the altar during Mass at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago on Oct. 12. It was one of 54 churches where her body was exhibited during a U.S. tour.

Religion

Before The Body Of A Child Saint, A Mother Struggles To Forgive Her Child

6:25am November 22, 2015

by John Burnett

The remains of St. Maria Goretti just finished a 54-city tour of the U.S. At the relic's final stop, in Oklahoma City, one widow went to seek the strength to forgive her husband's murderer — her son.

Republican U.S. presidential candidates Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Rick Santorum pray at the Presidential Family Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, November 20, 2015. The question of how to treat Syrian refugees has evoked different reactions in political evangeli

What Does the Bible Say About Refugees? Depends Who You Ask

8:31pm November 21, 2015

by Sarah McCammon

Evangelical voters in Iowa are divided over whether to side with religious leaders urging compassion for downtrodden Syrian refugees or politicians who say it's too dangerous to admit such refugees.

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Round-Table On Refugees: How People Of Faith Are Navigating The Crisis

5:10pm November 21, 2015

Religious leaders discuss the Syrian refugee crisis and how people of faith are navigating politics. NPR speaks to Pastor Russell Moore, head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention and Rabbi David Wolpe of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.

Journalists Emiliano Fittipaldi, left, and Gianluigi Nuzzi face criminal charges, along with three former Vatican officials. They're seen here at events publicizing their new books about financial dealings in the Catholic Church.

Vatican Charges 5 Over Leaked Documents, Alleging 'Organized Crime'

12:15pm November 21, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Those arrested include Spanish Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda and Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui, who served on the pope's special commission on economic reform.

Sister Lisa Maurer, nun and kicking coach for the College of St. Scholastica football team, watches during drills in October.

Meet The College Football Coach Who Really Knows Her Hail Marys

8:02am November 21, 2015

by Dan Kraker

Sister Lisa Maurer of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., is one of only a handful of women to ever coach college football — and also is, in all likelihood, the first nun.

Pray For Paris: Religious Leaders On Making Sense Of Violence

5:59pm November 20, 2015

Many Americans have turned to their faiths in the wake of the attacks on Paris. So we turn to three religious leaders to see how they are leading their congregations in praying for Paris.