The arrival of Pope Francis has triggered discussions of the Catholic Church's historic treatment of the African-American faithful, and has sparked hopes for a better future.
The Fiat has been the talk of the town, and everyone wants to get a peek. Theologians say the little car packs a whole lot of meaning: "It's just such a perfect metaphor for his message."
As part of his U.S. tour, Pope Francis spoke to the United Nation's General Assembly. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli discusses the pope's address with Renee Montagne.
After addressing a joint meeting of Congress and lunching with some 300 low-income and homeless people at Catholic Charities, the pontiff left for New York, the next stop on his U.S. tour.
On Saturday, Gaffigan will perform for an audience that may include Pope Francis. A practicing Catholic, the comic says faith is a central part of his humor.
The pope spoke for 51 minutes before Congress and read his speech verbatim from prepared remarks. That is, except for one line he omitted about politics not being "a slave to the economy and finance."
In a nearly hourlong speech, Pope Francis called for action on climate change, encouraged empathy for immigrants and advocated for the poor. He also said he supports abolishing the death penalty.
When it comes to abortion, hunger, war, immigrants who drown, the sick and the environment, "it is wrong to look the other way or remain silent," Francis said.