News Above the Noise—Week of April 20, 2025
1. Life After Pope Francis
The world watched yesterday as Pope Francis was laid to rest—and with him, a powerful moral compass for millions of progressive and moderate Christians. Pope Francis was known for leading with compassion, justice, inclusivity, and a commitment to the marginalized. As conservative forces rise and right-wing religion gains ground, the question is urgent: who will be next in line to fill the void? The papal conclave, where cardinals will elect a new Pope, is expected to begin sometime between May 6 and May 11 of this year. Learn more about the search for his successor here.
2. Sex Hormones Shape the Brain. Should They Shape Treatments?
Estrogen is no longer just the "female sex hormone." Emerging research shows it could transform the treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s and MS. Scientists are catching up to estrogen’s effects on brain development, inflammation, and neuroplasticity. Learn more about how the approach to neurological care could change.
3. Is Your Psoas a Pain in the Back?
Think your back pain is just from bad posture? It might actually be your psoas—the deep hip muscle that connects your spine to your legs. Sitting too much can tighten it, causing a strain on your lower back and hip. Find out how to strengthen this often overlooked muscle here.
Editor's Note: Every week, The Sunday Paper's team of journalists sift through the news to find what Rises Above the Noise, makes sense of what's happening in the world, and provides hope for your week to come. While we do our best to provide our own informative summary of each piece, some publications require their own subscriptions beyond our control.
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