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.
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.
A cardinal in Germany has advocated loosening celibacy rules for Catholic priests.
Florida Senate passes bill that would shield churches from emergency order shutdowns
The Florida Senate approved a bill that would prevent government emergency orders from shutting down churches and other religious institutions as long as businesses are allowed to stay open. "If Publix is open, so is your place of worship," the bill's sponsor said. The measure must still pass the House.
The Florida Senate approved a bill that would prevent government emergency orders from shutting down churches and other religious institutions as long as businesses are allowed to stay open. "If Publix is open, so is your place of worship," the bill's sponsor said. The measure must still pass the House.
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.
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.
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.
Florida Senate measure aimed at keeping churches open
After high-profile disputes in various parts of the country about shuttering churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Senate is poised to take up a proposal that would help prevent closures of religious institutions during future emergencies.
After high-profile disputes in various parts of the country about shuttering churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Senate is poised to take up a proposal that would help prevent closures of religious institutions during future emergencies.
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 Francis baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, resuming a decades-old Vatican tradition that had been interrupted last year by the pandemic.
Annual Epiphany cross dive returns for 116th year in Tarpon Springs
Large crowds returned this year for the 116th Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs.
Large crowds returned this year for the 116th Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs.
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 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 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 Christmas Eve Mass amid COVID-19 surge in Italy
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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 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.
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.
“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.
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.
Survey: Few Americans blame God for COVID-19 pandemic, other tragedies
A large majority of U.S. adults believe that most of the suffering in the world comes from people rather than from God, according to surveys from the Pew Research Center.
A large majority of U.S. adults believe that most of the suffering in the world comes from people rather than from God, according to surveys from the Pew Research Center.
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.”
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.
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.
Franklin Graham undergoes heart surgery
The surgery involved removing Graham's pericardium.
The surgery involved removing Graham's pericardium.
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.
The Hindu festival of Diwali, which symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated by millions across the world.