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.

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.

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.

Satanic Temple opens 'After School Satan Club' at elementary school in Moline, Illinois

Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, said the club will teach students benevolence, empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving and creative expression.

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.

Jewish house of worship in San Jose goes up in flames, Torahs spared

The Chabad house, a Jewish place of study and worship, went up in flames this week, but fortunately, the Torahs were spared.

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.

Judge: Christmas trees aren't religious symbols, menorah won't be displayed

A federal judge in California has ruled that Christmas trees are no longer seen as religious symbols and therefore, a menorah – which is religious – can be refused from being displayed at a school holiday ceremony.

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.