Controversial Hindu temple is inaugurated by India's prime minister India's prime minister lead the consecration ceremony for a temple. A Hindu group built it on the site of a historic mosque that was razed three decades ago. Steve Inskeep Diaa Hadid
National 'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump One takeaway from Iowa's Republican caucuses: evangelicals show no signs of backing away from Donald Trump. But some say even a small shift could make a big difference in November. Sarah McCammon
White evangelical voters are standing by their man: Donald Trump Donald Trump won big in Iowa, where evangelicals make up nearly two-thirds of Republican caucusgoers. The support from that influential voting bloc could make a difference in the general election. Sarah McCammon
World Breaking with tradition, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 this year In a stark rebuke of Russia, Ukraine joins the West in celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 instead of Jan. 6-7 as it traditionally has done. Joanna Kakissis Hiba Ahmad
World Pope Francis mourns the rejection of peace and 'futile logic of war' this Christmas In his Christmas Mass address Sunday, he said the word of God is being drowned out by the violence in Gaza. Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire multiple times since the war started on Oct. 7. Dustin Jones
It's weird to be a grown-up orphan. It forced my siblings and me to reckon with faith After my parents died, it felt like I had been robbed. I sat down with my brother and sister to talk about how losing our mom and dad made us think about religion and our own spirituality. Rachel Martin
Pope Francis approves Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, but not for marriage In a major development, the Vatican said priests may bless same-sex couples in informal settings, such as a meeting or visit to a shrine, so long as the blessing does not appear to endorse a marriage. Becky Sullivan
World A cardinal is convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in Vatican trial Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the first cardinal ever prosecuted by the Vatican criminal court, was convicted in a complicated financial trial that aired the Vatican's dirty laundry. The Associated Press
National Amid war, a Rabbi makes the case to 'raise up light' this Hanukkah NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie about how he's thinking about Hanukkah this year. Connor Donevan Courtney Dorning Ari Shapiro
National Alabama's upcoming gas execution could harm witnesses and violate religious liberty Alabama plans to execute a prisoner using nitrogen gas. NPR obtained a Department of Corrections document showing the method may pose risks to others in the room and impede religious liberties. Chiara Eisner