Stories about Religion from March, 2013
Guyana, Cuba: Habemus Papam, But “Who Is He”?
It's been a full day since the white smoke billowing above the Sistine Chapel signalled the news that Catholics the world over were waiting for: Habemus Papam. As it turned out, the Conclave of Cardinals elected the first Latin American and the first ever Jesuit pope...but, as one blogger asked, "Who is he"?
Allegations Tie Pope Francis to Argentina's ‘Dirty War’ Past
Was Jorge Bergoglio -now Pope Francis- involved in Argentina's deadly military dictatorship? Many around the world are asking this question as netizens continue to share information on Bergoglio alleged role in the country's 'Dirty War'. Others have pointed out that Bergoglio has repeatedly denied these accusations, and some have come to his defense.
Argentinians, the Government and Pope Francis
The announcement "Habemus Papam" caused a lot of happiness among Argentinians when they found out that the new pope is a fellow countryman. Argentinians analyzed his relationship with the current government and celebrated the conclave's decision.
New Pope, Jorge Bergoglio, is Argentinian
Netizens have quickly reacted to the announcement that for the first time an Argentinian, and a Latin American, will be leading the Catholic Church.
Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio Elected Pope
Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. #Bergoglio and #OrgulloArgentino (Argentinian pride) are current trends on Twitter in Argentina.
Arab World: Pope Alert, White Smoke
Arab netizens joined the rest of the world today in awaiting news of a new pope, who will replace Benedict XVI. And their reactions followed as soon as the white smoke bellowed from the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of the pope.
Angry Mob Torches Christian Neighbourhood in Pakistan
Riled by blasphemy charges, a Muslim mob of 3,000, torched 100 houses in Joseph Colony, a largely Christian neighbourhood in Pakistan's second largest city Lahore, on Saturday, March 9, 2013.
Should Alcohol be Legalised in Libya?
Libyan netizens are debating whether alcohol should be allowed in the country – after more than 50 people have died from drinking methane-tainted home-made alcohol in Tripoli. Another 470-plus people have been taken to hospitals for treatment, prompting a heated discussion on why lifting the alcohol ban would introduce legislation, which will in turn prevent such wide-scale tragedies from happening again.
The State of Torture in the World in 2013
On January 23, 2013, an excerpt from the annual report of l'ACAT-France, A World of Torture 2013, makes a fresh assessment of the state of torture in the world [fr]:...
Beauty & the Beast? “Ethnic” Pageant Winner Enrages Russian Nationalists
When top Russian blogger Rustem Adagamov posted the news of Abdrazakova's victory in the 2013 Miss Russia pageant on his blog, along with some her photographs, his post attracted comments like "Are there still Russian girls in the Russian Federation?"
Iran's President Says “Chavez Will Return with Christ”
“I have no doubt Chavez will return with Jesus Christ and all the other righteous ones,” said Ahmedinejad in his condolence message for Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
Catholic Church Condemns Sterilization Law in Panama
Panama's National Assembly of Legislators has passed a law that allows women over the age of 23 with two or more children to opt for a free sterilization. The Catholic Church has deemed the law disastrous and has asked that it be repealed. At the same time, Panamanians are divided into those who see the law with good eyes and those who reject it.
Pope Benedict XVI Steps Down
Globalizado [es], the blog by Global Voices in Spanish editor Juan Arellano, compiles tweets with the hashtag #elúltimotuitdePontifex [last tweet by Pontifex], started on Twitter on Thursday, February 28, 2013. The...
#Shahbag Protesters Fight off Atheist Shadow Cast by Islamist Groups
The massive #Shahbag protests in Bangladesh, demanding the death penalty for those who committed mass murder, rape, arson, and other crimes against humanity during the country's liberation from Pakistan in 1971, are seeing violent resistance from the country's Islamist political parties.
Religion Warps Politics as Bangladesh War Crimes Protests Continue
What began as a peaceful civic uprising may be taking a turn in the public’s perception as one that contradicts Islam. Since the beginning of February, hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis have been occupying a major intersection called Shahbag in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
