How some Easter traditions were inspired by ancient spring rituals
Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, but a few aspects of the holiday were adopted from religions outside of Christianity.
Holy weekend: Easter, Passover and Ramadan converge as faith leaders call for peace in Ukraine
The rare convergence of holidays - a time for reflection and hope - has been overshadowed by war in Ukraine, uniting faith leaders across the globe in calls for peace.
Russia's sunken warship may have been carrying piece of 'True Cross,' a Christian relic
A Russian news report in 2020 said the Christian relic would be stored on the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, which sank this week.
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."
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.
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 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.
Haiti kidnapping: 2 missionaries freed weeks after abduction, organization says
Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement Sunday saying the two “are safe, in good spirits and being cared for.”
France's Catholic Church agrees to compensate victims of sexual abuse
French bishops said in a written statement on Monday that they will set up an “independent, national body” tasked with addressing compensation issues regarding sex abuse victims.
Diwali 2021: What to know about the festival of lights
The Hindu festival of Diwali, which symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated by millions across the world.
Biden receives Communion in Rome amid abortion debate in US
While President Joe Biden regularly receives Communion in his home dioceses in Washington and Delaware, it was significant that he also received Communion in Rome.
Biden: Pope Francis told him he should 'keep receiving communion'
President Joe Biden said the issue of abortion did not come up in his meeting with Pope Francis, but that the pontiff said he should keep receiving Communion.
Megan Rice, nun imprisoned over peace activism, dies at 91
Megan Rice died of congestive heart failure Oct. 10 at Holy Child Center in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, according to her order, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus
Pope expresses 'shame' at scale of child sex abuse by clergy in France
Pope Francis expressed “shame” over a report that estimated some 330,000 French children were abused by clergy and other church authority figures.
Hillsong founder says COVID-19 vaccine is a ‘personal decision’ after church member dies
Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston said much of his staff are fully vaccinated after church member Stephen Harmon, refused to get inoculated and later died from COVID-19.
Pope Francis returns to Vatican 10 days after surgery
Pope Francis arrived at the Vatican Wednesday after being discharged from a Rome hospital 10 days after intestinal surgery to remove half of his colon.
Pope Francis appears for first time since intestinal surgery
Pope Francis has made his first public appearance since surgery a week earlier.