In A New Book, Pope Francis Speaks Out On The Coronavirus And Anti-Mask Protests People who claim that mask mandates deprive them of their personal freedom, Francis says, are "victims only in their own imagination." The book also addresses demonstrations against racial injustice. Tom Gjelten
Muslim Communities Divided Over Abuse Allegations Against Popular Preacher NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Alia Salem of FACE, or Facing Abuse in Community Environments, about allegations of abuse leveled against popular Muslim preacher Nouman Ali Khan.
Families And Friends Mourn Loss Of Thanksgiving Traditions, Seek New Ones Thanksgiving usually means gatherings and celebrating abundance. As the pandemic rules out crowded tables, Americans mourn missed traditions and build new ones. Deena Prichep
Biden Gives New Hope To Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution Joe Biden intends to admit 125,000 refugees in his first year. Many will be fleeing religious persecution. While highlighting persecution, President Trump cut refugee admissions to 15,000. Tom Gjelten
Religious Freedom Arguments Give Rise To Executive Order Battle Legislative remedies prove ineffective in reconciling religious freedom claims with concerns about discrimination, so the battle is waged via executive orders. Tom Gjelten
Diwali Came Early This Year: Hindus Celebrate Kamala Harris Victory The election of Kamala Harris as the first Indian-American vice president comes as Indians around the world celebrate Diwali — an annual festival commemorating the triumph of light over darkness. Mandalit del Barco
Pope Francis Congratulates Biden, Who Will Be The 2nd Catholic President Francis has been outspoken in his calls for more global action on confronting climate change and helping immigrants and refugees — positions shared by the president-elect. Barbara Sprunt
Vatican Report Says Pope John Paul II Knew About Allegations Against Former Cardinal The report on former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked last year, states that Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI were aware of the accusations of sexual misconduct. Scott Neuman
2020 Faith Vote Reflects 2016 Patterns White evangelicals still support Trump. Catholics are still divided. "The religious landscape in terms of voting has been remarkably stable," says Robert P. Jones, a leading religion scholar. Tom Gjelten
Archbishop Wilton Gregory Says 'Carry On' Work For Racial And Societal Justice Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who will be the first Black American Catholic cardinal, talks about the historic nature of his position, the political issues that inform his work in the church and more. Audie Cornish
