Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. |
|
|
By Holly Meyer and David Crary |
| |
|
By Holly Meyer and David Crary |
| |
|
Greetings, World of Faith readers, The first U.S.-born pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church; we offer in-depth coverage of this historic event. In Mexico, bullfighting bans worry some devoted matadors and fans. And an escalation of violence in India-controlled Kashmir evokes Hindu-Muslim tensions. |
INewly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) |
Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pope, says his election is a cross and a blessing |
Pope Leo XIV, history’s first North American pope, said his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in Sistine Chapel. It was the first time Leo made public remarks in English, after he spoke in Italian and Spanish only in his first comments to the world from St. Peter’s Basilica. Leo, the Chicago-born Augustinian missionary Robert Prevost, was elected Thursday afternoon as the 267th pope, overcoming the traditional prohibition against a pope from the United States. Read more.
|
|
|
-
The selection of an American pope could have profound impact on the future of the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been sharply divided between conservatives and progressives. Francis, with Prevost’s help as head of the bishop vetting office, had embarked on a 12-year project to rein in the traditionalist tendencies in the U.S.
-
Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope.
-
The last pope to take the name was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903. That Leo softened the church’s confrontational stance toward modernity, especially science and politics, and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought .
|
|
|
Those devoted to bullfighting in Mexico feel recent bans harm a sacred tradition |
Mexico City lawmakers recently voted to ban violent bullfighting. Animal rights advocates celebrated the decision and hope to extend such bans elsewhere in Mexico. But for many matadors and fans, the traditional version – ending with the bull’s death -- has a near-sacred significance. One popular matador, Diego Silveti, routinely sets up an altar in his hotel room where he prays before heading to the bullfight arena. Read more.
|
|
|
According to Tauromaquia Mexicana, Mexico’s biggest bullfighting organization, more than 20,000 jobs in the country depend on bullfighting.
Many cattle breeders take great pride in raising bulls that are selected for bullfighting. The ideal bull is 4 or 5 years old, and weighs between 900 and 1,200 pounds.
-
In Mexico City, matadors are still allowed to fight bulls, but running a sword through their body is prohibited.
|
|
|
INSERT TOPIC HEREINDIA-PAKISTAN |
Latest violence in Kashmir evokes Hindu-Muslim tensions |
Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since they gained independence from British India in 1947. They’ve also had dozens of skirmishes and conflicts, including the latest escalation after gunmen killed more than two-dozen people, mostly Hindu tourists, in India-controlled Kashmir last month. It’s an unusual rivalry. Other than Kashmir, they have no interest in claiming the other’s territory or exercising dominance. Read more.
|
|
|
Both armed with nuclear weapons, India and Pakistan fought periodically over Kashmir, which is split between them but claimed by both in its entirety
Indian and Pakistani soldiers guard their side of the frontier. Coils of razor wire snake around mountain foothills; some opposing troops are so close they can wave to each other.
-
In the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed since an armed revolt erupted against Indian rule in 1989. India decries the rebellion as state-sponsored terrorism. Many Muslim Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle.
|
|
|
|
