A meeting between Russia’s president, seen as the spiritual strongman of European nationalists, and the pope, a moral voice against populism, comes amid an ideological divide in the West.
Tag: Religion and Belief
Pope Francis Seeks to Mend Open Wounds With Orthodox Church in Romania
After centuries of schism and decades of Communist rule that imprisoned, killed and otherwise persecuted Catholics, hard feelings remain.
Burkina Faso Wracked by Escalating Violence
A once-stable country is plagued by extremists pouring over its northern border, restive farmers and herdsmen battling for land, and militias bent on tit-for-tat vengeance.
Lebanon Dispatch: Basketball Is ‘War, Minus the Shooting’ in Sectarian Lebanon
The professional basketball season resembles an election campaign, with party colors adorning team jerseys and banners of political patrons hanging in stadiums. Then there are the insults and riots.
Global Health: Religious Objections to the Measles Vaccine? Get the Shots, Faith Leaders Say
Devout parents who are worried about vaccines often object to ingredients from pigs or fetuses. But the leaders of major faiths have examined these fears and still vigorously endorse vaccination.
Sri Lanka Bombings Claimed by ISIS, and President Vows Shakeup
If the link to ISIS proves substantial, it would reinforce worries by Western security officials and others that the group remains a potent threat.
Faith Politics on the Rise as Indonesian Islam Takes a Hard-Line Path
Before the presidential vote this week, Indonesian candidates are polishing their religious credentials to appeal to a growing conservative populace.
With Letter on Sexual Abuse, Pope Benedict Returns to Public Eye
The former pontiff blames the sexual revolution, liberal theology and an absence of God for the crisis with which his successor, Pope Francis, has struggled.
Rejecting Asylum Claim, U.K. Quotes Bible to Say Christianity Is Not ‘Peaceful’
An Iranian asylum seeker said he converted from Islam to Christianity because it was a “peaceful” religion. The Home Office used Bible verses about vengeance as a basis to deny the claim.
England Greatly Expands Sex Education, Despite Some Parents’ Protests
The first revision of the curriculum in two decades will include information on same-sex relationships, as well as warnings against sexting and forced marriage.