Philosophy and Religion

Credit: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters/Landov

Pope Francis: 5 Things to Know About the New Pontiff

Originally posted 03/14/2013 10:15AM

Catholics worldwide rejoiced on Wednesday when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was selected as the 266th pope.

In many ways, it was a historic choice by the 115 cardinals who elected him. And the 76-year-old Argentine made history himself by choosing to take the papal name of Francis.

In other ways, Bergoglio's selection was a traditional one, at least when it comes to his theological views and positions on a host of social issues.

Here are five things to know about the Catholic Church's new leader:

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Filed Under: Religion, Philosophy and Religion, Pope Francis

Credit: Steve Marcus/Landov

Carrie Underwood Supports Gay Marriage

Originally posted 06/11/2012 06:00PM

Carrie Underwood has come out in favor of marriage equality.

"As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry," the "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer – and devout Christian – told Britain's The Independent newspaper.

"I can't imagine how that must feel," she said. "I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."

Underwood says it's actually her faith that's led her to support gay marriage.

"Above all, God wanted us to love others," the recent CMT award winner said. "It's not about setting rules, or [saying] 'everyone has to be like me.' "