Religion

Tastes like chicken, but it's OK for Lent: Fried alligator, as served at New Orleans' Cochon restaurant.

Forget Fish Fridays: In Louisiana, Gator Is On The Lenten Menu

5:59pm March 27, 2013

by Tina Antolini

Move over, tuna fish, shrimp and clam chowder. Alligator is here for your Friday Lenten meals, thanks to confirmation from the archbishop of New Orleans that it is, in fact, a seafood.

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Installation Mass Launches Pope Francis' Papacy

10:42am March 19, 2013

At a mass in St. Peter's Square, the pope appealed to political leaders of the world to protect the environment, the poor and the marginalized. Representatives of the world's major religions were present, as well as some 132 delegations from all over the world.

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The Four Standard Works, which contains the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, are the holy scriptures of the Mormon Church.

Mormons Change References To Blacks, Polygamy

11:28am March 18, 2013

The changes are the first since 1981, and deal specifically with the church's original ban on black priesthood ordination and polygamy. One expert says these additions to Mormon scripture show signs of a more modern Mormon Church.

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Cardinals Elect Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio As New Pope

2:27pm March 14, 2013

Cardinals at the Vatican chose Argentine cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new pope. He will take the papal name Francis and is the first pope from South America. NPR's Neal Conan talks with guests about the significance of the event around the world.

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American Catholics Look To New Pope For Hope, Renewal

6:44pm March 13, 2013

by Jeff Brady

Catholics in Philadelphia react on Wednesday to selection of the new pope.

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Religion

Can't Read Smoke Signals? Try A Pope Alert Via Text

5:36pm March 13, 2013

Popealarm.com, from the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, lets eager Vatican watchers sign up for a text or e-mail alert that will go out as soon as a decisive ballot is cast. Their slogan? "When the smoke goes up, you'll know what's going down."

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Religion

What American Catholics Want From The Next Pontiff

5:17am March 12, 2013

As the conclave to select a new pope gets under way at the Vatican, what do American Catholics want from the next pontiff? Renee Montagne speaks with Greg Smith of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life about their most recent survey.

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Armando Martin DueÃ±as shows a replica of one of the hand-crafted loafers that were given to Pope Benedict XVI during his March 2012 visit to Mexico at the Ackerman shoe factory in Leon, Mexico.

The Pope Emeritus' New Shoes And The Mexican Man Who Makes Them

8:42am March 01, 2013

by Carrie Kahn

Along with giving up the chair of St. Peter, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI gave up his stylish red shoes. Now, he's wearing shoes made by a man in Leon, Mexico.

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Without A Pope, Cardinals Are Running The Vatican

6:37am March 01, 2013

The Vatican is now under the control of the cardinals who will elect a new leader of the Catholic Church. On Thursday, Pope Benedict gave up his ring, cape and red papal shoes and became pope emeritus.

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Benedict XVI Leaves The Vatican, Headed To Retirement

12:04pm February 28, 2013

The first pope to retire in centuries will stay at the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo until an apartment for him at the Vatican is renovated. Meantime, preparations for electing a new pope are under way.

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