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  • 10
    Apr
    2013
    1:40pm, EDT

    Godmother of punk meets Holy Father

    L'Osservatore Romano via AP

    Patti Smith shakes hands with Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 10, 2013.

    Slideshow: Celebrity Sightings

    Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams at the 'To The Wonder' premiere, Michelle Williams at Kate Young for Target launch, Julia Louis-Dreyfus celebrates her second season of 'Veep,' and more.

    Launch slideshow

    Patti Smith, artist and punk rock pioneer, met Pope Francis at the end of his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Wednesday.

    Smith, who is not a Catholic, told the media afterwards that she found the new pontiff "very interesting" and "liked him a lot."

    The singer-songwriter will be in Rome until April 25 performing at the Rome Auditorium.

    - The Associated Press, AFP contributed to this post

    Related Links:

    • Slideshow: The election of Pope Francis
    • Slideshow: Holy ride - Popemobiles throughout history
    • Follow @NBCNewsPictures on Twitter

    1 comment

    She could definitely pass as Marty Feldman's mom. Not even a handsome lady. And her music sucks, and is not punk.

    Show more
    Explore related topics: entertainment, religion, pope, catholic, world-news, punk, patti-smith
  • 8
    Apr
    2013
    6:34am, EDT

    World's biggest pope? Massive statue of John Paul II lifted into place in Poland

    Waldemar Deska / EPA

     

    A 46-foot-high statue of Pope John Paul II was installed at the Miniature Park in Czestochowa, Poland, on Sunday. The monument, which is reputed to be the world's largest statue of the former pope, is set to be formally unveiled on April 13.  

    John Paul II was beatified in a ceremony at the Vatican on May 1, 2011, bringing him a step closer to sainthood.

    -- European PressPhoto Agency

    Related: Much-mocked pope statue gets a makeover

    Waldemar Deska / EPA

    Waldemar Deska / EPA

     

    Slideshow: A historic papacy

    Wojtek Laski / Getty Images

    View a timeline of photographs spanning the life of Pope John Paul II.

    Launch slideshow

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    2 comments

    trouble was that when he died, it took away the favorite response "Well, is the POPE POLISH?" Then German, now Argentine...

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    Explore related topics: poland, pope, pope-john-paul-ii, statue, world-news, arts
  • 7
    Apr
    2013
    4:28pm, EDT

    Tony Gentile / Reuters

    Pope's mantle nearly gets the best of him after Sunday mass

    A gust of wind blows Pope Francis' mantle as he stands on the balcony of St. John's in Lateran basilica after celebrating a solemn mass in Rome, Italy, April 7. The pontiff officially took possession of the basilica which is his cathedral in his capacity as bishop of Rome, on Sunday.

    4 comments

    WOW big news here LOL

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    Explore related topics: italy, rome, pope, catholic
  • 29
    Mar
    2013
    3:30pm, EDT

    From Pakistan to Poland to the Brooklyn Bridge, Christians around the world celebrate Good Friday

    Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    Pope Francis prays on the floor during a Papal Mass with the Celebration of the Lord's Passion inside St Peter's Basilica on March 29, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis is taking part in his first holy week as pontiff and will later today preside over the Way Of the Cross procession at the Colosseum in Rome.

    Sebastian Scheiner / AP

    Christian worshippers carry a cross towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, traditionally believed by many to be the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, during the Good Friday procession in Jerusalem's Old City, Friday, March 29, 2013. Less than 2 percent of the population of Israel and the Palestinian territories is Christian, mostly split between Catholicism and Orthodox streams of Christianity. Christians in the West Bank wanting to attend services in Jerusalem must obtain permission from Israeli authorities. Israel's Tourism Ministry said it expects some 150,000 visitors in Israel during Easter week and the Jewish festival of Passover, which coincide this year.

    Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

    Members of the Italian community take part in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in Bensheim, southwest of Frankfurt March 29, 2013. Thousands of spectators watched the yearly Passion Play performed by about 100 laity actors. Holy Week is celebrated in many Christian traditions during the week before Easter.

    Kacper Pempel / Reuters

    Polish catholic devotees re-enact out the "Way of the Cross" on Good Friday as part of Holy Week celebrations at the Kalwaria Wejherowska near Gdansk, northern Poland March 29, 2013. Holy Week is celebrated in many Christian traditions during the week before Easter.

    Muhammed Muheisen / AP

    An elderly Pakistani Christian man, prays during a Mass on Good Friday in a church in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, March 29, 2013. Christians around the world are marking the Easter holy week.

    Eduardo Munoz / Reuters

    Frank Simmonds, of the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, carries a cross on the Brooklyn Bridge during the 18th annual 'Way of the Cross Over the Brooklyn Bridge Ceremony' in New York March 29, 2013. The ceremony, hosted yearly on the Christian holy day of Good Friday, includes walking from St. James Cathedral, over the Brooklyn Bridge to St. Peter's Church, in Manhattan. The event attracts approximately 2,000 people each year.

    Joel Saget / AFP - Getty Images

    Nuns take part in a Way of the Cross to celebrate Good Friday, in front of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre district, in Paris, on March 29, 2013.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

     

    1 comment

    Beautiful photos. Could you explain if the actual crucification of a volunteer is carried out anywhere? Some of the people in the photos look so sad, glum, serious and full of suffering. I though religion was supposed to make people happy and joyful?

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    Explore related topics: religion, pope, world-news, christian, good-friday
  • 23
    Mar
    2013
    1:47pm, EDT

    Osservatore Romano via Reuters

    Pope Francis, left, embraces Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as he arrives at the Castel Gandolfo summer residence March 23. Pope Francis traveled by helicopter from the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo for a private meeting with the former Pope Benedict XVI.

    Pope meets ex-pope for historic lunch

    By Claudio Lavanga and Emma Ong, NBC News

    In a historic meeting of current and former popes, Francis and Benedict got together for prayers and lunch on Saturday.

    Pope Francis and his predecessor, the ex-Pope Benedict XVI, met at Castel Gandolfo in the Alban Hills outside of Rome, where Benedict has been living since he resigned Feb. 28.

    Benedict, who looked frail and walked with a cane, told Francis to kneel in front of the altar, but Francis said, "let's kneel together" and they did so, Lombardi said.

    "We're brothers," Francis reportedly told the former pope as the two prayed together on the same prie dieu.

    Read the full story.

    8 comments

    We, the survivors of priest abuse, demand justice. It is time for those for whom there is ample and credible evidence against, who covered up these crimes, be arrested and prosecuted by our U.S. Attorney General. Anything less would be criminal.

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    Explore related topics: religion, pope, catholic, world-news, pope-benedict, pope-francis
  • 19
    Mar
    2013
    9:12am, EDT

    Faithful flock to St. Peter's Square for inauguration of Pope Francis

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    In this 360 degree photo, Pope Francis greets the faithful during the Inauguration Mass for Pope Francis in St Peter's Square on March 19, 2013 in Vatican City. Use the navigation buttons to move left, right or to zoom.

    Max Rossi / Reuters

    Pope Francis waves as he arrives in Saint Peter's Square for his inaugural mass at the Vatican. Pope Francis celebrates his inaugural mass on Tuesday among political and religious leaders from around the world and amid a wave of hope for a renewal of the scandal-plagued Roman Catholic Church.

    Tony Gentile / Reuters

    Pope Francis arrives in Saint Peter's Square for his inaugural mass at the Vatican, on March 19. Pope Francis celebrates his inaugural mass on Tuesday among political and religious leaders from around the world and amid a wave of hope for a renewal of the scandal-plagued Roman Catholic Church.

    Claudio Peri / EPA

    Pope Francis blesses a child as he arrives in St. Peter's square for his inauguration mass, Vatican City, on March 19. Thousands of faithful, as well as political and religious dignitaries from all over the world, were expected to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Francis.

    Alessandro Di Meo / EPA

    Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the papamobile during his inauguration mass in St. Peter's square, Vatican City, March 19. Hundreds of thousands of faithful, as well as political and religious dignitaries from all over the world, were expected to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Francis.

    Slideshow: The election of Pope Francis

    Gregorio Borgia / AP

    Cardinals from around the world gathered in the Vatican to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

    Launch slideshow

    By Claudio Lavanga and Alastair Jamieson, NBC News

    Pope Francis issued an appeal for the protection of the weak, the poor and the world environment Tuesday at a special Mass marking his inauguration as the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

    During the homily, he told a crowd of up to 200,000 gathered in front of the Vatican: “I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.” Continue reading this story here.

     

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    Comment

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    Explore related topics: italy, vatican, religion, pope, catholic, panorama, panoramic
  • 17
    Mar
    2013
    3:12pm, EDT

    Francis surprises faithful on his first Sunday as pope

    Osservatore Romano via EPA

    Pope Francis waves to the crowd at St. Peter's Square during his first Angelus prayer at the Vatican on March 17.

    Max Rossi / Reuters

    Newly elected Pope Francis appears at the window of his future private apartment to bless the faithful gathered below in St. Peter's Square during the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican.

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    Crowds fill St. Peter's Square as live footage of Pope Francis is projected on a giant screen on March 17.

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    Women rush into St. Peter's Square to see Pope Francis give his first Angelus blessing on March 17 in Vatican City.

    Osservatore Romano via Reuters

    Pope Francis greets the crowds after conducting a mass in the Saint Anna Church inside the Vatican on March 17.

    Slideshow: The election of Pope Francis

    Dmitry Lovetsky / AP

    Cardinals from around the world gathered in the Vatican to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

    Launch slideshow

    Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis delivered off-the-cuff remarks instead of reading from a written speech during his first Sunday window appearance before a crowd of 150,000 in St. Peter’s Square.

    Earlier in the day, he made an impromptu appearance to the public from a side gate of the Vatican, startling passersby and prompting cheers. Continue reading AP article.

    Related Links:

    • PHOTOS: The election of Pope Francis
    • Pope Francis: His life before the papacy
    • A look inside the walls of Vatican City

    Comment

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    Explore related topics: vatican, religion, pope, catholic, world-news, pope-francis
  • 15
    Mar
    2013
    9:53am, EDT

    Checks in as cardinal, pays bill as Pope Francis

    Osservatore Romano via Reuters

    Newly elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, checks out of the church-run residence on March 14, where he had been staying in Rome. Pope Francis returned on Thursday to the Church-run residence where he was staying before becoming pontiff, and insisted on paying the bill, despite now effectively being in charge of the business, the Vatican said.

    Slideshow: Pope Francis: His life before the papacy

    Marcos Brindicci / Reuters

    Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to lead the Catholic Church following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. 

    Launch slideshow

    By Alastair Jamieson and Claudio Lavanga, NBC News

    The Latin American pope’s election shattered Europe's centuries-old grip on the papacy, and his choice of name — in honor of the 12th century saint from Assisi — is widely seen as a nod to a new era of simplicity.

    Lombardi said Pope Francis declined the official papal car for his first journey from the Sistine Chapel, choosing instead to board a bus with cardinals who had just elected him.

    Later, at dinner, the new pope prompted laughter by responding to their toast with the remark: "May god forgive you for what you have done."

    Francis returned Thursday to the church-run hostel where he had stayed ahead of the conclave and insisted on paying the bill.

    "He was concerned about giving a good example of what priests and bishops should do," a Vatican spokesman said. He did not disclose how much the bill totaled. Read more.

    Story: Trading in the bus for a butler: The new pope's new lifestyle

    Editor's note: NBC News received this photo on March 15

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    97 comments

    This guy gets it! Lead by example! He provides great hope for the future of the Church and appreciates the common people that he serves!

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    Explore related topics: italy, vatican, religion, rome, pope, vatican-city, pope-francis
  • 15
    Mar
    2013
    12:30am, EDT

    A present for Pope Francis

    Latincontent / Getty Images

    Argentine goldsmith Juan Carlos Pallarols works on a silver cross he is making for Pope Francis, on March 14, 2013 in Buenos Aires. Pallarols is working on a silver chalice, a customized pen and a silver cross he will give as presents to the newly elected pope. Pallarols, who will travel to Rome on Sunday, had previously made a customized chalice for Benedict XVI.

    Latincontent / Getty Images

    Detail of the silver cross Argentine goldsmith Juan Carlos Pallarols made for Pope Francis.

    Related:

    The pope's to-do list; 7 challenges facing Francis

    Pope likely to back status quo on gays, abortion

    Meet the new pope: Francis is humble leader who takes bus to work

    Full coverage of Pope Francis from NBC News

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    1 comment

    what A present for Pope Francis? I think many fans would like new pope portrait painting. That would be a nice gift for the fans.

    Show more
    Explore related topics: religion, argentina, pope, catholic, world-news, goldsmith
  • 14
    Mar
    2013
    5:36pm, EDT

    Crowd gathers to watch Pope's first Mass on big screen in St. Peter's Square

    Spencer Platt / Getty Images

    A woman kneels as people watch in St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis conducts his first mass as Pope on March 14, in Vatican City, Vatican. A day after thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch the announcement of the first ever Latin American Pontiff it has been announced that Pope Francis inauguration mass will be held on March 19, in Vatican City.

    Oded Balilty / AP

    People watch Pope Francis on a big screen in St. Peter's square as he celebrates his inaugural Mass with cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel, at the Vatican, Thursday, March 14. As the 266th pope, Francis inherits a Catholic church in turmoil, beset by the clerical sex abuse scandal, internal divisions and dwindling numbers in parts of the world where Christianity had been strong for centuries.

    Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    A family sits as they watch Pope Francis celebrate mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

    Related:

    The pope's to-do list; 7 challenges facing Francis

    Pope likely to back status quo on gays, abortion

    Meet the new pope: Francis is humble leader who takes bus to work

    Full coverage of Pope Francis from NBC News

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    Comment

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    Explore related topics: religion, pope, world-news, catholocism
  • 14
    Mar
    2013
    12:06pm, EDT

    Witnessing papal history changes with digital age

    Luca Bruno / AP

    The faithful gather in 2005 near St. Peter's to witness Pope John Paul II's body being carried into the Basilica for public viewing.

    Michael Sohn / AP

    St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on March 13, 2013.

    By Carlo Dellaverson, NBC News

    In 2005, visitors packed into the expansive boulevard leading up to St. Peter’s Square as Pope John Paul II’s body was carried into the crowd for public viewing in the days following his death. Taken nearly two years before the iPhone debuted, the photo is striking now for its appearance straight out of another era.

    For anyone who has ever been to a concert, the photo at bottom, taken Tuesday night as Pope Francis made his inaugural appearance on the Vatican balcony, seems almost ordinary. The two, taken together, reflect a world changing, even as some ancient traditions stay the same.

    Also see:

    • PHOTOS: The election of Pope Francis
    • Pope Francis: His life before the papacy
    • A look inside the walls of Vatican City

    1 comment

    From the look of the lower photo, I'd say that auto-focus needs revamped!

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  • 13
    Mar
    2013
    7:12pm, EDT

    Exuberant nuns celebrate at the Vatican as new pope is elected

    Emilio Morenatti / AP

    A nun reacts after white smoke billowed from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel indicating that a new pope has been elected in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on March 13, 2013.

    Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    A nun reacts as newly elected Pope Francis appears on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

    Gabriel Bouys / AFP - Getty Images

    Nuns react after Argentina's Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican.

    Guido Montana / EPA

    Nuns show their emotions as they hear the news that a new pope has been elected as they join pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square, on March 13, 2013.

    Emilio Morenatti / AP

    People react after white smoke billowed from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel indicating that a new pope has been elected in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on March 13, 2013.

    Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

    People talk in St Peter's Square after newly elected Pope Francis I appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

    Spencer Platt / Getty Images

    People stand in St. Peter's Square as they listen to newly elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who will take the name Pope Francis, on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.

    Ghazi Balkiz / NBC News

    A nun smiles and claps her hands at St. Peter's Square outside the Vatican in Rome as Pope Frances addresses the crowd for the first time, on March 13, 2013.

    Becky Bratu, Staff Writer, NBC News writes:
    As the last puffs of white smoke dissipated at the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, women religious in the United States received the news of the pope's election with a mix of surprise and hope that he would shepherd the church through its current crisis.

    Read full story.

    Also see:

    • PHOTOS: The election of Pope Francis
    • Pope Francis: His life before the papacy
    • A look inside the walls of Vatican City

    Emilio Morenatti / AP

    A nun reacts after white smoke billowed from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel indicating that a new pope has been elected in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on March 13, 2013.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

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