· March, 2013

Stories about Religion from March, 2013

Guyana, Cuba: Habemus Papam, But “Who Is He”?

  14 March 2013

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

  14 March 2013

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

  14 March 2013

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.

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.

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

  10 March 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]: “A report called A World of Torture in 2013, assesses torture practices that continue to be alarming, from Pakistan to...

Catholic Church Condemns Sterilization Law in Panama

  6 March 2013

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

  3 March 2013

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 hashtag contains netizens’ comments and reactions to the farewell speech by Benedict XVI.