Monday's News & Ideas - 3/17/2025

Pope Francis is recovering. It hasn’t stopped talk of a succession.*
The Washington Post: Discussions of succession scenarios have been accelerated by the pontiff’s bout with double pneumonia and warnings that he could be significantly diminished.

Rising egg prices threaten Easter and Passover traditions
Religion Unplugged: Egg prices in the U.S. have surged in recent months due to several factors — and it can very well impact Christians and Jews across the United States this spring.

Here’s what you need to know about St. Patrick’s Day
The Associated Press: The day honoring the patron saint of Ireland is a global celebration of Irish heritage.

You’ve likely heard the Serenity Prayer — but not its backstory
The Conversation: The prayer was written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. For him, it was a call to confront the realities of the world with courage — relying not on one’s own power but on God’s grace.

Rupnik’s case casts light on the sexual abuse of nuns
Religion News Service: Claims against the famous artist have brought attention to the widespread sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse of religious sisters.

The Spark

The best villains in literature bracket: And the winner is…
After six rounds of voting and thousands of ballots cast, we have our winner, the best villain in literature, Lit Hub says.

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