religion

Vatican Interns Help Build Papal Following On Social Media

6:27am October 20, 2015

by Jennifer Lynn

Villanova University students are integral to Pope Francis' U.S. social media team via the college's Vatican internship program. They were part of the launch of the papal Twitter account and the Vatican's ongoing social media efforts.

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Among bishops and priests, Pope Francis is in familiar — and lighthearted — territory. But among non-Catholics in the U.S., the pope's comments have also generated significant enthusiasm.

With Bold Words And Baby Steps, Pope Finds Fans Beyond His Flock

6:25am October 20, 2015

by Joel Rose

Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the U.S. has American Catholics excited — but they aren't the only ones. The pope's statements on the environment and social issues have appealed to non-Catholics, too.

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Modern Catholics Test The Pope's Infallible Authority

6:24am October 20, 2015

by Tom Gjelten

John F. Kennedy's presidential bid was challenged by Protestant leaders who charged that he would be a tool of the Vatican. Concerns were widespread about Catholic leaders demanding political loyalty on issues involving church doctrine. But today, the question is whether Catholic voters and Catholic politicians still give deference to Vatican views. Does the Pope still have clout when it comes to pronouncements he makes on key issues?

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Pew Poll: U.S. Catholics Accept Non-Traditional Families

6:19am October 20, 2015

by David Schaper

The poll by the Pew Research Center finds U.S. Catholics are surprisingly open-minded about certain social issues, with majorities often holding opinions contrary to church teaching.

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Carlos Alfaro, 19, practices with a soccer ball before a match in New York City. Some members of his youth soccer team are set to meet with Pope Francis in September.

Through Soccer, Teen Migrants Rebuild Lives And Get Chance To Meet Pope

6:17am October 20, 2015

by Hansi Lo Wang

During his U.S. visit in September, the pope is set to meet with unaccompanied minors from Central America who have formed a youth soccer team co-sponsored by New York's Catholic Charities.

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Evan Fritz, head brewer at Manayunk Brewing Co., draws off some samples of Papal Pleasure, a beer concocted to mark Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia. It's brewed with water blessed by a local priest.

Philly Preps Blessed Beer And Other Edible Swag To Greet Pope Francis

6:16am October 20, 2015

Enterprising businesses will mark the pope's visit to Philadelphia next month with irreverent tchotchkes — including beers brewed with holy water and toasters that etch the pontiff's face on bread.

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The Pope Slept Here: Special Preparations Underway For U.S. Visit

6:14am October 20, 2015

When the Pope visits, he won't be staying in any old hotel room. In fact, there's a lot of preparation in each room he stays in.

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Native Americans Protest Canonization Of Junipero Serra

6:10am October 20, 2015

by Sylvia Poggioli

When Pope Francis canonizes Junipero Serra, he will become the first Hispanic American saint. Analysts see this as an effort to restore the historical balance away from "Anglo-centric" interpretation of U.S. history to the importance of Catholic missions.

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Caryl Johnson (center) oversees communion at St. Mary Magdalene Community in Drexel Hill, Pa., as parishioners Janet Hamm and Jim Kalb assist. Unlike most traditional Roman Catholic services, a gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine are offered.

In Defiance Of The Church, Some Catholic Women Seek Priesthood

6:04am October 20, 2015

by Jeff Brady

Caryl Johnson calls herself a priest, but technically she was excommunicated after being ordained. Johnson is one of many Catholic women who see a gap between what they believe and church dogma.

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The Rev. Rob Schenck, of the National Clergy Council (right), and the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, pray in front of the J. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C., in 2005. Schenck is a pro-life activ

An Evangelical Leader's Changing Views On Gun Ownership

7:38pm October 19, 2015

by NPR Staff

As legislators fail to find solutions to mass shootings, evangelical minister Rob Schenck thinks religious groups have a part to play in educating people about guns and their relationships with them.

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