President Barack Obama
ANALYSIS: 5 reasons gay marriage is winning
By Kevin Eckstrom — May 22, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) The fight over gay marriage is far from settled -- and some conservatives insist that it never will be -- but pro-gay groups clearly have the momentum. Here's why.
Hobby Lobby’s Green family meets with Pope Francis
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — March 31, 2014
(RNS) Pope Francis asked members of the Green family how their Supreme Court fight against President Obama's contraception mandate was progressing, a spokeswoman said.
Pope Francis hosts President Obama for talks on poverty, health care and immigration
By Eric J. Lyman — March 27, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) According to an official statement from the Vatican, Pope Francis and President Obama discussed immigration reform and "the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection."
COMMENTARY: What Pope Francis can teach President Obama this week
By Mary Ann Walsh — March 25, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Two smiling, confident and charismatic leaders will meet at the Vatican this week, each with the opportunity to touch the heart of the other.
ANALYSIS: Can Pope Francis help ‘reset’ frayed ties between Obama and the Catholic bishops?
By David Gibson — March 24, 2014
(RNS) The potential for a robust alliance between the White House and the nation's largest church fizzled almost from the start of Obama’s candidacy in 2007, and a relationship that started badly went downhill when he was elected.
When Pope Francis meets President Obama, expect collaboration over conflict
By David Gibson — March 20, 2014
ROME (RNS) American and Vatican officials say the talks between Pope Francis and President Obama may disappoint those hoping for fireworks, and that the summit is going to focus on collaboration much more than conflict.
COMMENTARY: An executive order with moral authority
By Simone Campbell — February 12, 2014
(RNS) By using the power of his pen to lift the minimum wage for federally contracted workers, President Obama is affirming the dignity and worth of all working people.
10 names to replace Abe Foxman, the ‘Jewish pope’
By Lauren Markoe — February 11, 2014
(RNS) Who can replace the "Jewish pope"? Here are 10 possible names to succeed Abe Foxman at the Anti-Defamation League.
Obama highlights religious freedom in National Prayer Breakfast speech
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — February 6, 2014
(RNS) Facing criticism that he does not give religious freedom enough attention, President Obama devoted most of his National Prayer Breakfast address to the issue, naming people imprisoned for their beliefs and calling out specific nations.
COMMENTARY: Obama’s religious freedom record is strong
By Judd Birdsall — January 21, 2014
(RNS) Does the current administration stand for religious freedom globally or does the delay in appointing an ambassador cast doubt on that stand? My answer: Yes.
John Kerry makes first Vatican visit, hints at Obama meeting with Pope Francis
By Eric J. Lyman — January 14, 2014
ROME (RNS) A short release from the Holy See indicated the two men discussed health care reform, which has sparked intense opposition from American bishops.
Pastor: Obama is paving the way for the Antichrist
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — January 8, 2014
(RNS) "While I am not suggesting that President Obama is the Antichrist, the fact that he was able to propose such a sweeping change in God's law ... illustrates how a future world leader will be able to oppose God's laws without any repercussions.”
Ugandans don’t understand homosexuality, says former Anglican bishop
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 20, 2013
(RNS) A Ugandan cleric who ministers to homosexuals has criticized the passage of a controversial law that imposes life imprisonment for homosexual acts.
How President Obama is framing his Christmas message this year
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — December 16, 2013
Obama talks about his faith often, and Christmas is no exception.
ANALYSIS: Pope and Change: What Pope Francis can learn from President Obama
By David Gibson — December 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis’ trajectory from near anonymity to the heights of power is remarkably similar to that of President Obama's. But can the pontiff avoid the pitfalls that have dogged the president?
