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The first pope from the New World must now confront some old problems. He's begun his first full day as head of the church by slipping out of the Vatican to visit an ancient basilica. There, he quietly prayed with priests.

Across Russia, pancakes and butter abound as the country marks a weeklong celebration before the start of Russian Orthodox Lent. Pagan in origin, Maslenitsa calls for plenty of eating, sledding, merrymaking — and even organized fistfights.

Some Parisians worry that an avenue once considered the most beautiful in the world is starting to take on the character of an American shopping strip.

Years of war have overtaxed Gaza's hospitals, making it tough for kidney patients to get good treatment. Thanks to help from British doctors, Gaza surgeons are now being trained to perform kidney transplants. They hope to help ease the huge demand for dialysis, but transplants have their own cost.

Under pressure from the New York state comptroller — who oversees one of its largest shareholders — the doughnut chain has agreed to set a goal of using only 100 percent sustainable palm oil to make its doughnuts. Production of palm oil has caused serious deforestation in Indonesia.

Putting Mike Huckabee on the GOP ticket this year as Mitt Romney's running mate could certainly liven up the presidential race. The former Arkansas governor is likable, experienced and even plays bass. But as someone who claims to focus on conversation, not confrontation, would he go on the attack for Romney?

A big counterattack is brewing in Syria's most important city after Damascus. Rebel fighters had taken control of parts of Aleppo but say heavy reinforcements for the Syrian army are now arriving. Activists also say that in Damascus, loyalist forces have been exacting a bloody revenge. Even as Syrians — from soldiers to diplomats — are turning against the regime, the power on the ground remains with the military.

In Colorado and Iowa, two states considered up for grabs in the presidential race, a battle over alternative energy policy is playing a growing role in the debate between PresidentObama and MittRomney

Russian authorities are investigating a reclusive Islamic sect said to have lived in subterranean burrows without electricity for 10 years. Officials have taken some 20 children away from the group in a case that pits religious freedom against wider social values.

Long-term gains in longevity continue. Today's 65-year-olds can expect to live a tad over 20 more years. That's a huge jump from 1980, when 65-year-olds could expect 14 more years of life. A big part of the reason is that deaths from heart disease and stroke have plummeted by nearly 50 percent.