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The Papal Succession Benedict XVI's papacy ended in February. The task of choosing the next pope falls to 115 red-robed cardinals known as the "princes" of the Catholic Church. Here, NPR's coverage of the selection of the next pope.
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The Papal Succession

Here, NPR's coverage of the selection of a new pope to replace Benedict XVI.

Installation Mass Launches Pope Francis' Papacy

At a mass in St. Peter's Square, the pope appealed to political leaders of the world to protect the environment, the poor and the marginalized. Representatives of the world's major religions were present, as well as some 132 delegations from all over the world.

Installation Mass Launches Pope Francis' Papacy

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Catholics Embrace Pope Francis' Simple Gestures

Pope Francis is formally inaugurated in a mass in St. Peter's Square Tuesday. Leaders from all over the world are attending. In less than a week, the pope has made himself known to the Catholic world and beyond for his direct and simple words and gestures.

Catholics Embrace Pope Francis' Simple Gestures

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Why 'Francis'? The New Pope Explains

Pope Francis held a press conference Saturday, addressing the thousands of journalists who have been at the Vatican to cover his election. Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Sylvia Poggioli in Rome.

Why 'Francis'? The New Pope Explains

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Pope Francis Criticized For Not Confronting Dictatorship During 'Dirty War'

Audie Cornish talks to Michael Warren, Buenos Aires Bureau Chief for the Associated Press, about Pope Francis and his time with the Roman Catholic Church during Argentina's "dirty war" in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Pope Francis Criticized For Not Confronting Dictatorship During 'Dirty War'

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Pope Francis' Namesake Was Patron Saint Of Animals, Ecology

Saint Francis of Assisi is the namesake of the new pope, Francis. To learn about the life of Saint Francis and his legacy in the Catholic Church, Melissa Block talks with with Father Jeremy Harrington. He's guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America.

Pope Francis' Namesake Was Patron Saint Of Animals, Ecology

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Seminarian Hopes Pope Francis Will Heal Religion's 'Crisis Of Faith'

Melissa Block speaks with John Connaughton, a 36-year-old American seminarian studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, about what it's like to witness the transition of popes firsthand.

Seminarian Hopes Pope Francis Will Heal Religion's 'Crisis Of Faith'

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Pope Francis Is Now 'Papa Crow' To His Favorite Soccer Club

The San Lorenzo football club is very excited to have "Papa Crow" on its side. Web image of San Lorenzo club's website hide caption

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Web image of San Lorenzo club's website

The Two-Way

Pope Francis Is Now 'Papa Crow' To His Favorite Soccer Club

The new pope is a big fan of the Argentine team San Lorenzo, from his home town of Buenos Aires. Known as "Los Cuervos" ("The Crows"), the team has enthusiastically adopted Francis as its "papa."

From 'Morning Edition': Correspondent Hugh Bronstein

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Election Of Pope Francis Could Signal New Start For Church

Roman Catholics woke up Thursday with a new pope — the first non-European supreme pontiff since the early centuries of Christianity. The Argentine chose the name Francis, never before used by any other pope. That could signal the start of a new chapter for the crisis-ridden church.

Election Of Pope Francis Could Signal New Start For Church

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The Life And Career Of Pope Francis

Newly minted Pope Francis, as archbishop of Buenos Aires, was known for his humility, for standing with the poor, and for his staunch conservatism on church teachings. With no experience in Vatican administration, the strength of this first Jesuit pope is thought to be his intellectual vigor and his pastoral skills.

The Life And Career Of Pope Francis

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Selection Of Pope Francis Energizes U.S. Catholics

Across the country, Catholics were surprised and happy about the selection of Francis as pope. In Miami, many Catholics are looking to Francis to bring about some positive changes.

Selection Of Pope Francis Energizes U.S. Catholics

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What Kind Of Leader Might Pope Francis Be?

Even before he spoke a word, the Catholic Church's new pope sent a signal to the world about what kind of leader he may be by choosing the name Pope Francis. The Vatican has confirmed that is a homage to St. Francis of Assisi, the 12th century Italian nobleman who renounced the trappings of wealth and became a champion for the poor. For more, Renee Montagne speaks with the Rev. Thomas Reese, an analyst with the National Catholic Reporter.

What Kind Of Leader Might Pope Francis Be?

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Pope Francis: A Saintly Name, Hold The 'I'

The newly elected Pope Francis appears on the main balcony of St Peter's Basilica. His name was chosen after St. Francis of Assisi, the Vatican says. L'Osservatore Romano/Getty Images hide caption

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L'Osservatore Romano/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Pope Francis: A Saintly Name, Hold The 'I'

After his election as pope Wednesday, Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose a name that, for many Catholics, sent an immediate signal of his goal to unite the Roman Catholic Church: Pope Francis. The name also prompted some confusion — over whether it should include "I."

The New Pope's Name

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New Pope 'A Fresh Start,' But Old Problems Are Waiting

Crowds at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican celebrate Wednesday after seeing white smoke billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating the election of a new pope. The new pontiff, Francis, is the first from Latin America, a reflection that the Catholic Church is now strongest in the Southern Hemisphere. Oded Balilty/AP hide caption

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Oded Balilty/AP

New Pope 'A Fresh Start,' But Old Problems Are Waiting

Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America, a choice that makes sense strategically as the church becomes less Europe-centric. But how he will direct the church, which is still dealing with the fallout of the sexual abuse crisis and other challenges, remains unclear.

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