Pope Francis Defends His Trip To Iraq Despite Infection Risks The pope spent four days visiting six cities. He met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric to encourage Christian-Muslim dialogue. Dustin Jones
Pope Francis Concludes 1st Papal Visit To Iraq With Mass In Erbil Pope Francis is back at the Vatican after a historic trip to Iraq, the home of a dwindling but determined Christian community. Alice Fordham
Switzerland Approves Ban On Face Coverings In Public Swiss voters backed a ban on niqabs and burqas worn by a handful of Muslim women in the country. A Muslim advocacy group called it Islamophobic. Dustin Jones
Pope Francis Concludes Iraq Trip With More Visits To Christian Towns Pope Francis continues his trip to Iraq with a mass in a stadium in Erbil, home to many Christians displaced from other areas in the wake of ISIS. Alice Fordham
Pope Francis Visits Iraqi Region Where Cities And Lives Were Shattered By ISIS The pope spent the third day of his visit in the north of the country, where the Christian population is dwindling. He also prayed for the ethnic minority Yazidis, who were brutally targeted by ISIS. Alice Fordham
'I Come As A Pilgrim': Pope Francis Begins Historic Visit To Iraq The pontiff arrived at Baghdad International Airport where he was greeted by the prime minister. During his four-day visit, Francis will focus on Iraq's ancient but dwindling Christian community. Alice Fordham
Discovery Of Schoolhouse For Black Children Now Offers A History Lesson Researchers say they have identified the oldest existing structure in the U.S. dedicated to the teaching Black children. It's a small, white building on the College of William & Mary's campus. Mary Louise Kelly
In Pope Francis, Biden Has A Potential Ally — Who Shares The Same Catholic Detractors The pope and the president share liberal stances on climate change and economic disparity. A theology scholar argues U.S. Catholic Church leadership is increasingly allied with the political right. Sylvia Poggioli
Evangelical Leaders Condemn 'Radicalized Christian Nationalism' In response to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, more than 100 evangelical leaders have published a statement calling on other church heads to speak out against Christian nationalism in their ranks. Sarah McCammon
Pope Plans Historic Visit To Iraq As Its Christian Populations Dwindle Many Iraqis — Christian and Muslim — say they are excited about the first papal visit to the country, raising hopes of religious tolerance in the face of extremist violence. Alice Fordham
