Michael Lipka

Pope Francis named his first group of new cardinals,  often called “princes of the church,” last week. The 19 men will be formally appointed next month. Media reports have observed that Francis, the first pope from outside Europe in modern times, chose several cardinals from the developing world. Francis’ immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, selected […]

One-in-five adults who don’t have kids that believe in Santa still plan on a visit from Santa this year.

When asked about how stores should greet their customers over the holidays, 42% of Americans prefer “Merry Christmas,” 12% prefer “Happy Holidays” and 46% say it doesn't matter.

Pope Francis began this year as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an Argentine archbishop. He finishes it as Time magazine’s Person of the Year.

After Pope Francis was elected in March, 70% of U.S. Catholics said that addressing the abuse scandal should be “a top priority” for him.

Each year, millions of Shia pilgrims visit the shrine of one of their most revered figures – Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. While Ashura is sacred for all Muslims, it is especially important to Shias, illustrating some of the differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

The Vatican plans to ask a range of questions on topics related to the family, including divorce, artificial contraception and same-sex marriage.