Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in Ukraine
Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for “weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce."
Florida man facing battery charge after throwing beer bottle, threatening Muslim man, deputies say
A 72-year-old man was arrested and booked into jail after he allegedly threw a beer bottle at a Muslim man and made comments about his religion, and authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Local Holocaust survivors recall painful memories as they see war in Ukraine
Local Holocaust survivors recall traumatizing days in their youth in World War II as they see comparisons to the war in Ukraine.
Ramadan 2022: What is the Islamic holy month? How is it celebrated?
Around the world, Muslims will be fasting - abstaining from food (yes, even water) from sunrise to sundown for 30 days. We consulted a religious leader and a doctor to answer commonly asked questions about the celebrations.
Pope begs forgiveness of Indigenous for Canada school abuses
More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s. Now, Pope Francis is apologizing for the rampant physical and sexual abuse that took place.
Philadelphia woman makes history as first Latina priest in Episcopal Dioceses of Pennsylvania
There's a picture hanging in the Church of the Crucifixion on Bainbridge Street in South Philadelphia that stands out from the rest. It’s that of Reverend Jessie Alejandro.
Arizona Catholic priest resigns over wrongly-used word during baptism; what you should know about the mix-up
In a unique situation for people of the catholic faith, a priest in Arizona is stepping down because diocesan officials in Phoenix determined the words he was using during baptisms were wrong, thus invalidating them.
Retired pope asks for pardon in handling of abuse cases, admits no wrongdoing
Retired Pope Benedict XVI is asking forgiveness in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases. But he is not admitting to any personal or specific wrongdoing.
Catholic celibacy rules should be loosened, cardinal says
A cardinal in Germany has advocated loosening celibacy rules for Catholic priests.
Jewish leaders mark first Sabbath since Texas synagogue hostage siege
Jewish leaders marked the first Sabbath since last weekend's hostage-taking at Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, with a show of defiance against it and other acts of antisemitism.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk, dies at 95
Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Zen Buddhist monk who helped spread the practice of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East, has died. He was 95.
Pope Francis baptizes 16 babies in Sistine Chapel after pandemic break
Pope Francis baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, resuming a decades-old Vatican tradition that had been interrupted last year by the pandemic.
Pope criticizes couples who adopt pets instead of children: 'a form of selfishness'
Pope Francis on Wednesday branded couples who adopt pets instead of children as "selfish" as part of a call to resolve the "demographic winter" that the West faces.
Pope Francis starts new year with call to protect women, focus on the good
Pope Francis has used his New Year's Day appearances to encourage people to focus on the good which unites them and to decry violence against women.
Pope Francis prays for pandemic's end in Christmas Day address
Pope Francis' Christmas Day speech gives him an opportunity to draw a global audience's attention to conflicts big and small. This year was no different.
Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose
During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.
‘Chanukah Sameach’ : Biden recognizes Hanukkah 2021 with well wishes
“From our family to yours, and from the People’s House to your own homes, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
Phil Saviano, Catholic church sex abuse survivor and whistleblower, dies
Saviano played a central role in illuminating the scandal, which led to the resignation of Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law and church settlements with hundreds of victims.