In visit to Baghdad, Pope Francis urges Iraq to embrace its Christians
Pope Francis has urged Iraqis to treat their Christian brothers as a precious resource to protect, not an “obstacle” to eliminate as he opens the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.
Abortion concerns prompt Catholic archdiocese warning on vaccine
Roman Catholic leaders in St. Louis and New Orleans are advising Catholics that the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, newly approved for use in the U.S., is “morally compromised” because it is produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus.
Pope Francis says women can read at Mass, but still can't be priests
Pope Francis has changed church law to explicitly allow women to do more things during Mass, while reaffirming they cannot be priests.
Spectators moved online for annual Epiphany celebration dive
Divers will soon take to the water in Tarpon Springs for the annual Epiphany celebration. The historic event usually attracts thousands of people, but because of the pandemic things will look much different this year.
Annual Epiphany celebration will be shorter and smaller due to COVID-19
It’s one of our area’s most well-known traditions that will send more than 50 young men into the waters of Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs. But COVID is quieting the ceremonies this year, with limited participation.
2020 Vatican nativity display draws comparisons to ‘Star Wars’ scene
The Vatican’s 2020 nativity scene, which is different every year, has drawn criticism from some for its futuristic style.
Vatican faults many for ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick's rise but spares Pope Francis
A Vatican investigation into ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has found that bishops, cardinals and popes downplayed or dismissed reports that he slept with seminarians.
Pope Francis ends public audiences, eyes Christmas as virus surges
Ambassadors to the Vatican were informed recently that Christmas would be essentially a virtual affair for the diplomatic corps this year.
‘They are children of God’: Francis becomes 1st pope to endorse same-sex civil unions
Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco.”
Teen computer whiz Carlo Acutis could be 1st millennial Catholic saint
Carlo Acutis is the youngest contemporary person to be beatified.
'The whole church has got it': Pastor says over 40 infected with coronavirus after multi-day revival event
More than 40 people at an Alabama Baptist church were infected with the virus the congregation held a series of religious services.
Michigan convent sees 13 nuns die of coronavirus: 'It was very frightening'
The nuns, ages 69 to 99, included teachers, an author and a secretary in the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Outrage after California bans singing in churches amid coronavirus pandemic
Faith leaders are speaking out after California Gov. Gavin Newsom banned singing and chanting in houses of worship last week due to a surge in coronavirus cases following weeks of protests.
New York pastor threatened with $1,000 fine for holding drive-in church service
A New York church with 40 members held a drive-in service Sunday after being warned by police that it was a violation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor: You can -- and should -- celebrate Easter while social distancing
”We love each other, we love God. Our Easter message is to do that at home,” one Presbyterian pastor explained as part of an advisory to stay home this Easter Sunday.
Worshipers come as they are, stay in car at Manatee County drive-in church
At Happy Gospel Church in Manatee County, times haven't been so happy because social distancing caused members to miss out on weekly services.
Ministry focused on first responders celebrates one year
When 26-year Army veteran Dan Middlebrooks came to Sydney Baptist Church as an interim preacher, he had an idea: Give the church a new mission and make it into a house of worship specifically for first responders. He certainly prayed with and counseled enough of them over the years.
Bishop responds after priest says abortion worse than pedophilia, which 'doesn't kill anyone'
A Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island responded to the controversy created by a priest who said abortion is worse than pedophilia and later sought to clarify his comments.
Trump unveils 'new guidance' on protecting prayer in public schools
In a bid to solidify his evangelical base, President Donald Trump on Thursday vowed to protect prayer in public schools and took new steps to give religious organizations easier access to federal programs.
Jewish leaders rally against anti-Semitism in Sarasota
Rochelle Marshall lives only two miles from where an anti-Semite wounded five people during Hanukkah in Upstate New York.