In his long-running battles with the Nazi villain Red Skull and the Swiss anarchist Flag-Smasher, among others, the Captain fought with the trademark Marvel Comics blend of fantasy and all too human failing.

ECONOMIST: Just in time for the 4th of July

At the end of the two-hour Mass, Francis took off his red vestments, leaving only the white cassock and skull cap, and climbed into an open-topped popemobile to circle through the enthusiastic crowd.

NPR: New Pope Opens Holy Week At Vatican On Palm Sunday

Dozens of natural and artificial wonders are displayed on the shelves, including a branch of flaming red coral that appears to be growing from the top of a human skull.

ECONOMIST: The art of deception