Pope Francis listens to a children's band during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Dec. 21.
L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP
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The pope worked to repair relations within the Christian world, but things were tougher in the Catholic world. A church historian says no other pope has met as much opposition from bishops and clergy.
Syrian children wait as a checkpoint that once separated their Damascus suburb from government-held areas is bulldozed. Rebels left the town in a truce negotiated with the help of local activists and notables.
Alison Meuse/NPR
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Pastry chef Aggie Chin shares her recipes for a dinner party dessert, a citrus pavlova cake, and festive drink of pink champagne and a dollop of grapefruit sorbet.
Ariel Zambelich/NPR
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Pope Francis listens to a children's band during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Dec. 21.
L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP
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Colin Ozeki, a high school student with autism, is on track to graduate this year from Millennium Brooklyn High School with an advanced diploma.
Amy Pearl/WNYC
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