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Highlights of Pope Leo XIV's trip to Africa

  • By The Associated Press
  • Updated

Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Africa was so dizzying in its complexity that it recalls some of the early globe-trotting odysseys of St. John Paul II. Themes that Leo raised during the four-country tour included Christian-Muslim coexistence, the exploitation of the continent's natural and human resources, corruption, migration and the legacy of colonialism. The 11-day trip began on April 13 in Algeria and ended in Equatorial Guinea on Thursday. The stop in Algeria carried the most personal importance for Leo given his ties to St. Augustine. The saint is the inspiration of his religious order who lived and died there. Leo has also traveled to Angola and Cameroon before returning to Rome from Equatorial Guinea.

National
AP

Killing of Iranian activist in Canada exposes increasingly bitter divisions within the diaspora

  • By ADAM GELLER - AP National Writer
  • Updated

The killing of an Iranian activist in Canada has exposed bitter divisions within the diaspora over the Iran war. Several activists say they have received threats that led them to notify the police and change their routines. Many of the threats appear to be coming from supporters of an exiled crown prince who supports the war and hopes to return once the Islamic republic is toppled. Activists who oppose the war or the crown prince say they have received threats from his supporters. Allies of the crown prince deny he's involved and accuse Iran's government of masquerading as activists to sow divisions among its opponents abroad.

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Pope doubles down on peace and unity message as Trump's criticism continues

  • By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV is again emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Leo spoke to journalists on a flight to Cameroon on Wednesday as he continues his Africa visit. Trump has criticized Leo for his stance on the Iran war. Trump has also posted and then deleted an AI-generated image of himself as Christ. Leo stressed the importance of unity and respect among different beliefs. He emphasized his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers on the first stop of his tour as a symbol of peaceful coexistence.

Traveling exhibit challenges stereotypes about Muslim giving
National
AP Wire

Traveling exhibit challenges stereotypes about Muslim giving

  • By ULAA KUZIEZ - Religion News Service
  • Updated

Amid a high-profile investigation into a COVID-19 pandemic-related fraud scheme in Minnesota, advocates say suspicion of Muslims rose and their contributions to the state’s economy, culture and communities were ignored. “Inspired Generosity,” a traveling showcase that opened in Minneapolis on March 24, highlights how Muslims have served their neighbors for decades. “People think of Muslims, unfortunately, as proselytizers, takers, that we are not contributing to our country,” said Dilnaz Waraich, president of the WF Fund, a philanthropic group that organized the exhibit. “We need to tell different stories of generosity.”

A 12-hour drive through Iran offers glimpses of destruction, defiance and daily life
National
AP Wire

A 12-hour drive through Iran offers glimpses of destruction, defiance and daily life

  • By BASSEM MROUE - Associated Press
  • Updated

A black banner hangs over the border crossing and portraits of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stare down, promising vengeance against the United States and Israel. But on the 12-hour drive south to the capital, Tehran, daily life continues, with only occasional signs of the ongoing war, including a Shiite religious center that officials say was damaged by a recent airstrike. Associated Press reporters made the journey on Saturday after crossing into Iran from Turkey. They gained a glimpse of the country at the center of a regional war that has jolted the world economy and shows no sign of ending.