NSA revelations strain U.S. relations with a friendly Brazil
Leaks by former NSA employee Edward Snowden are having far reaching effects on U.S. diplomacy, this time damaging relations with one of America’s most important partners in Latin America.
Before pope’s comments, Latin American Catholics expressed acceptance of homosexuality
Pope Francis made headlines yesterday in response to a question about the supposed “gay lobby” in the Vatican. The pope reportedly reaffirmed the Roman Catholic Church’s position that while homosexual acts were sinful, orientation was not. But he added, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge […]
NYT: Pope’s Trip to Brazil Seen as ‘Strong Start’ in Revitalizing Church
On first trip as pope, Francis visits Brazil for World Youth Day
Out of the more than 120 million Catholics in Brazil, 32.6 million are between 15 and 29 years old.
NPR: Brazil’s Evangelicals a growing force in prayer, politics
Brazil’s Changing Religious Landscape
As young Catholics gather in Brazil, awaiting Pope Francis' visit in celebration of World Youth Day, an analysis of census data finds that the share of Brazil’s population that identifies as Catholic has been dropping steadily in recent decades. Over the same period, the percentage of Brazilians who belong to Protestant churches has been rising.
Mexican public favors military use, U.S. aid to fight drug cartels
On Monday, the Mexican military captured Miguel Angel Treviño Morales, leader of the Zetas, one of the major Mexican drug cartels. Treviño Morales is wanted in Mexico and the United States for charges of drug trafficking, murder, torture, kidnapping and extortion, among other crimes. Mexican armed forces made the arrest early Monday morning after a […]
Dissatisfaction in Brazil, Despite Positive Views of the Economy
The recent protests in Brazil reflect dissatisfaction that is, at least in part, the result of a large gap between what the public considers top priorities for the country and perceptions of how well these priorities are met.
A global snapshot of same-sex marriage
Worldwide, roughly two-thirds of the countries that allow gay marriage are in Western Europe.
Mexicans see less progress on drug war; split on Peña Nieto
Among the topics likely to come up during President Obama’s trip to Mexico is the nature and extent of the two countries’ cooperation in fighting Mexico’s drug-smuggling cartels. Under former President Felipe Calderón, the United States greatly expanded its role in Mexico, primarily through an agreement called the Merida Initiative (which also includes Central American nations). The […]
