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Pope Francis: The People's Pope

Christus Vincit
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Pope Benedict the 16th stunned the Catholic world in February by announcing his retirement: the first papal resignation in 700 years. And since the election of Pope Francis in March, the surprises have only continued: he’s the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit, the first pope from the southern hemisphere. And some observers say this “outsider” status leads Francis to speak outside the norm: while previous popes led the fight against abortion, gay marriage, and contraception, Pope Francis has called these "obsessions",  urging a renewal of the church's mission to serve the poor and the oppressed. Some Catholics have been concerned about this, questioning his commitment to traditional doctrine, while others applaud his embrace of what they see as the true roots of the Catholic faith.

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Laura is well known in New Hampshire for her in-depth coverage of important issues and is widely regarded for her interviews with presidential hopefuls. Laura is a graduate of Keene High School in New Hampshire. Prior to hosting The Exchange, Laura worked in public radio in Washington, D.C. as a local reporter and announcer for WAMU and as a newscaster for NPR. Before her radio career, she was a researcher for USA Today's "Money" section, and a research assistant at the Institute for International Economics. Laura occasionally guest hosts national programs such as The Diane Rehm Show and Here and Now. In 2007 Laura was named New Hampshire Broadcaster of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters.
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