Allawi gains momentum as Iraqi PM’s hopes of drawing Shiite coalitions to his side crumble

Division among Iraq’s Shiites good news for Allawi

Vatican spokesman takes distance from preacher’s likening accusations vs pope to anti-Semitism

Vatican distances itself from comments on Jews

APNewsBreak: Rome waited a decade-plus to defrock Arizona priest, despite letters to Ratzinger

APNewsBreak: Rome waited years to ban Ariz. priest

Poland marks anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death as religious observance begins to flag

More-secular Poland marks Pope John Paul’s death

Nigeria’s ill, long absent president greets religious guests briefly, but remains seated

Imam: Nigeria’s ill, absent president meets guests

Pilgrims arriving in St. Peter’s Square for Good Friday service led by the pope

Pilgrims filling St. Peter’s Square on Good Friday

Leader of Iraqi Shiite party gives boost to Allawi in race for prime minister

Leader of Iraqi Shiite party gives boost to Allawi

Anti-US cleric’s supporters choose which candidate to back in self-styled referendum

Shiite cleric’ followers choose their PM candidate

Poland on Good Friday remembers John Paul 5 years after pope’s death

Poland marks John Paul’s death on Good Friday

Filipino devotees nailed to the cross in annual Good Friday rites rejected by Catholic Church

Filipinos nailed to the cross in Good Friday rites

Carrying crosses and digital cameras, Christians mark Good Friday in Jerusalem

Christians converge on Jerusalem for Good Friday

And now, a Mayawati temple

LUCKNOW - If all goes well, Uttar Pradesh will soon get a temple dedicated to Chief Minister and Dalit icon Mayawati, whose statues already dot the sprawling state.

Good Friday observed with prayers, fasts

NEW DELHI - With fasts and daylong prayer services in churches, Delhi observed Good Friday, marking the crucification of Jesus Christ.