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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Jill Biden reconnects with her South Carolina church, opens up about faith

The first lady quietly flew to West Columbia for a surprise appearance at the 50th anniversary celebration for Pastor Charles B. Jackson Sr. of Brookland Baptist Church.

Pope Francis expresses 'shame' at scale of clergy abuse in France

Pope Francis has expressed "shame" for himself and the Roman Catholic Church for the scale of the sexual abuse of children within the church in France and "sadness and pain for the trauma that they suffered."