Religion

A Catholic faithful looks at a portrait of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero at his grave in the cathedral of San Salvador on March 24, 2014, during the commemoration of the 34th anniversary of his murder.

Pope Declares Salvadoran Archbishop Óscar Romero A Martyr

9:29pm February 07, 2015

by Jasmine Garsd

The archbishop was an outspoken voice against human rights abuses during the Salvadoran civil war. He was killed while giving mass in 1980. The pope's decree sets the stage for beatification.

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People look at a portrait of Oscar Romero at the cathedral of San Salvador, where as archbishop he resisted a brutal regime. He was murdered and the Vatican has declared him a martyr.

Oscar Romero, The Murdered Archbishop Who Inspires The Pope

11:19am February 07, 2015

by Scott Simon

Pope Francis and the Vatican have recognized Romero, who served as archbishop of San Salvador, as a martyr. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on his life, and the possibility he might become a saint.

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Catholics march in San Salvador on March 22, 2014, during the commemoration of the 33th anniversary of Romero's murder.

Decades After His Murder, An Archbishop Is Put On Path To Sainthood

8:28am February 06, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

Pope Francis has declared slain Archbishop Oscar Romero a martyr. Previous popes declined to do so, possibly because of Romero's role in liberation theology.

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President Obama bows his head towards the Dalai Lama as he was recognized during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, on Thursday.

Obama Condemns 'Horrific Acts' In The Name Of Religion

4:56pm February 05, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The president said that God never justifies the killing of innocent people. He also referred to the Dalai Lama, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast for the first time, as his "good friend."

Pope Francis is cheered by the faithful as he arrives for the weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Pope Francis To Address Congress During U.S. Trip, Boehner Says

12:41pm February 05, 2015

by Juana Summers

House Speaker John Boehner says Francis will address lawmakers on Sept. 24 during his first papal visit to the United States.

An illustration depicts Jesus Christ transforming water into wine during the wedding at Cana (John 2:7).

What Would Jesus Drink? A Class Exploring Ancient Wines Asks

1:16am February 05, 2015

by Lynnsay Maynard

The details of wine and winemaking practices in biblical times are debated among experts. But we do know that vino in Christ's day was very different from what we imbibe today.

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A screenshot from a video produced by the Vatican with Italian actress Nancy Brilli.

Vatican's Women Initiative Gets Off To A Bad Start

12:40pm February 03, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

A promotional video produced ahead of Wednesday's conference on women's issues has been widely ridiculed as a sexist stereotype of the modern Western woman.

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In LA, Women Build A Mosque Where They Can Call To Prayer

1:20pm January 31, 2015

A women-led mosque held its first jumma'a, or Friday prayer service, in Los Angeles this week. The group is hoping to strengthen the Muslim community in America by empowering the faith's women.

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A Saint With A Mixed History: Junipero Serra's Canonization Raises Eyebrows

6:08pm January 28, 2015

by Jasmine Garsd

Pope Francis announced he will elevate the influential missionary to sainthood when he visits Washington, D.C. But Native American groups say Father Serra was far from saintly.

Journalist Documents Anti-Semitism In A Swedish City

12:14pm January 27, 2015

Journalist Petter Ljunggren wore a Jewish skullcap and Star of David pendant to covertly film the anti-Semitism he experienced in the Swedish city of Malmo. NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with Ljunggren.

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