The 1,000-year-old centre of Sunni Muslim learning calls for better relations with the Vatican after strained relations with his predecessor. Bradley Hope and Hugh Naylor report Read Article Al Azhar seeks closer ties with new Pope
Pope Francis's self-effacement, admirers say, is why he has hardly ever denied one of the harshest allegations against him: that he was among church leaders who actively supported Argentina's murderous dictatorship. Read Article Papal election stirs Argentina's 'dirty war' past
Philippine president Benigno Aquino, who leads Asia's biggest Catholic country but who has challenged the Church over its opposition to contraception, offered warm praise yesterday for the first non-European pope in 1,300 years. Read Article Asian Catholics celebrate election of Pope Francis
Star Trek's technological feats are ahead of the times - dreamt up almost half a century ago, much of its technology is today a reality. Can’t you beam me up, Scotty?
Istanbul's famous mosque tries to strike balance between religion and tourism money by providing tourists with coverings. Thomas Seibert reports Turkey tightens Blue Mosque dress code
