Religion and Faith

The Milan area has a strong Lutheran tradition. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Tom Opoien, pastor of Kvitseid Lutheran Church.
President Bush says he disagrees that filibustering judicial nominees reflects on a person's faith, or lack of it. Whether it's politics or the election of religious leader, the media is continually challenged by the coverage of what many regard as a personal issue.
Catholics in Minnesota are working to understand how the election of a new pope will affect them. For young Catholics, the future of their church is a passionate subject.
Catholic leaders in Minnesota warmly received word of the election of the new pope, Benedict XVI. The Holy Father is the leader of the largest religious denomination in the state. Church leaders here describe him as a witty, intelligent and religiously devoted man.
The first hour of Midday on April 19, 2005 was pre-empted for NPR coverage of the selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at Pope Benedict XVI. Coverage extended into the second hour. (Listen to second hour)
Critics of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, say he is a hardline conservative. But some who know him best say he is a subtle thinker with a deep understanding of Catholic tradition. and a personal touch he's not often given credit for.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, the church's leading hard-liner, was elected the new pope Tuesday evening in the first conclave of the new millennium. He chose the name Pope Benedict XVI and called himself "a simple, humble worker."
The College of Cardinals begins its conclave on Monday, a secret deliberation to choose the first new pope in over 26 years. What forces will influence the Cardinals' decision, and what challenges will the next pope face in leading the more than one-billion Catholics worldwide.
On Monday, the conclave of cardinals will begin the process of choosing the next Roman Catholic leader. The global and political demands of modern Catholicism pose challenges for the successor to Pope John Paul II.
Students returned to Red Lake High School on Monday for the first time since a teenage gunman killed nine people and himself three weeks ago. A healing ceremony was held outside the school before students and parents entered.