Epstein Obtained Sacred Objects From Islam's Holiest Site for Island 'Mosque'
Jeffrey Epstein obtained sacred objects from Islam's holiest site to furnish a 'mosque' structure on his private island, according to New York Times reporting.
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Pope Leo XIV completes his first year leading the Catholic Church, consolidating a pacifist profile and positioning himself as a moral counterweight to far-right movements while emphasizing Christian unity.
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Coverage (99 articles)
British Jews Hide Religious Identity After Golders Green Attack
British Jews are grappling with heightened anxiety following a stabbing attack in Golders Green, with some concealing religious symbols while others reaffirm commitment to their faith practices despite enhanced security measures.
Vatican Synod Proposes New Bishop Selection Model and Paradigm Shift on LGBTQ+ Issues
The Vatican Synod proposes reforming bishop selection to include lay participation and adopting a new paradigm for addressing complex doctrinal issues including LGBTQ+ believers, marking a significant shift in Church approach.
Exclusive Brethren denies pet euthanasia order, confirms directive to remove animals
The Exclusive Brethren sect denied instructing members to kill pets but confirmed urging them to remove animals from homes following a dog attack incident involving a church leader's relative.
Ten journalists imprisoned worldwide for pursuing truth, highlighting press freedom crisis
El País reports on ten journalists imprisoned across multiple countries for pursuing investigative reporting, highlighting 2025 as the deadliest year for press freedom and the ongoing threats to democratic journalism.
Rodgers returns briefly after nose injury, Steelers stumble vs. Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers left Sunday's game against Buffalo after sustaining a nose laceration on the opening play of the second half, but returned after missing one series.
Pope Leo XIV to visit France September 25-28, including UNESCO stop
Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25-28, including a stop at UNESCO headquarters, amid discussions on European peace-building initiatives.
Spanish Church Calls for Decent Work for All on Labor Day
Spanish Catholic bishops mark International Workers' Day emphasizing decent work as a priority, denouncing job precarity and advocating for workers' rights, particularly for migrants.
White House-backed prayer rally draws thousands, sparks church-state separation concerns
Thousands attended a White House-backed Christian prayer rally on the National Mall, drawing criticism for blurring church-state lines with prominent Republican officials speaking alongside evangelical leaders.
Pope Leo denies nuclear weapons support, rebukes Trump's 'endangering Catholics' claim
Pope Leo denies supporting nuclear weapons after Trump accused him of endangering Catholics over Iran policy. The pontiff reaffirms the Church's long-standing opposition to all nuclear weapons.
Mercedes-AMG One dominates: The 22 fastest production cars at the Nürburgring
Top Gear ranks the 22 fastest production cars around the Nürburgring, with Mercedes-AMG One holding the record at sub-6:30, followed by various Porsche, Ferrari, and American performance vehicles competing for lap supremacy.
Vatican Synod Condemns 'Devastating Effects' of Conversion Therapy
The Vatican's Synod released a document criticizing conversion therapies for LGBTQIA+ individuals, calling them "devastating" and advocating for greater inclusion within the Church.
Pope calls Vatican diplomats to serve peace, truth, and justice
Pope Francis addresses Vatican diplomats, urging them to serve as bridges for peace, truth, and justice in global affairs. He emphasizes their role as channels for conflict resolution without fear.
After 30 years lost, Jharkhand woman's reunion with son collapses over religion
After 30 years in a Kolkata shelter, Sushila Murmu was located in Jharkhand, but her son refused reunion unless she converted from Christianity to Hinduism, which she declined.
Vatican threatens excommunication of traditionalist group defying Pope
The Vatican has issued an ultimatum to the traditionalist Lefebvrist group, warning that ordaining new bishops constitutes a schismatic act that will result in excommunication, escalating tensions between Rome and the dissident faction.
Nepal Reimposed Restrictions After Hindu-Muslim Clashes Leave 20+ Injured
Violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in Kapilvastu, Nepal left over 20 injured, prompting authorities to reimpose restrictive orders on gatherings and demonstrations.
Pope Leo XIV goes viral with 'six seven' trend at Vatican ceremony
Pope Leo XIV participated in the viral 'six seven' TikTok trend during a Vatican ceremony, with the video garnering 4.9 million views. The content was shared by priest Don Roberto Fiscer and confirmed to be authentic, not AI-generated.
Pope appoints former undocumented immigrant as bishop of West Virginia
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, who entered the US illegally as a young man, as the new bishop of West Virginia, signaling the Church's stance on immigration amid Trump administration tensions.
Kerala fireworks factory blast kills 13 ahead of Thrissur Pooram festival
At least 13 workers died and 40 were injured in explosions at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Kerala preparing for Thrissur Pooram festival. The incident follows another deadly factory blast in Tamil Nadu two days prior.
Viral video of CAIR leader sparks backlash over remarks on expressing views
A viral video of CAIR-CA director Zahra Billoo discussing strategic expression of views has drawn political backlash and renewed scrutiny of the organization's $40 million in state funding.
Eric Church Uses Guitar Metaphor to Inspire UNC Graduates
Country singer Eric Church delivered a commencement speech at UNC Chapel Hill using guitar strings as a metaphor for life's pillars, creating viral social media engagement.
Pulilan's Kneeling Carabaos Festival draws thousands to witness centuries-old tradition
Thousands of tourists gather in Pulilan, Bulacan for the annual Kneeling Carabaos Festival, a centuries-old tradition honoring San Isidro Labrador where decorated water buffaloes kneel for blessings.
UK imam sentenced to life for sexually abusing seven Muslim women
A 54-year-old imam in London was sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting seven Muslim women, including minors, between 2005-2014. He exploited his religious authority and claimed supernatural powers to coerce victims into silence.
Vatican Synod Releases Reports on Bishops, LGBTQ+ Ministry Amid Controversy
The Vatican's synod has released final reports addressing LGBTQ ministry, conversion therapy criticism, and bishop selection processes, sparking debate over church teaching interpretation.
Spanish Augustinians prepare for Pope Leo XIV's June visit, welcoming familiar leader
Pope Leo XIV will visit Spain in June, reconnecting with the Augustinian order he led as prior general for 24 years. The Spanish Augustinian province, spanning 12 countries with 338 religious, anticipates his arrival with particular enthusiasm.
Bank attendant hangs up on Pope Leo XIV during account update call
Pope Leo XIV attempted to update his bank account information via phone but was hung up on by a customer service representative, an incident recounted by a priest.
Actor Christian Oliver, daughters killed in Caribbean plane crash
Actor Christian Oliver and his two young daughters died in a small plane crash near a Caribbean island on January 4, 2024. His former wife paid tribute to the family members who were returning from holiday when engine trouble caused the aircraft to fall into the ocean.
Trump administration plans National Mall prayer event amid survey showing Americans wary of religion in politics
The Trump administration is organizing a prayer event on the National Mall with predominantly Christian speakers, coinciding with survey data showing Americans' discomfort with mixing religion and politics.
Austrian nuns who fled care home arrive in Rome, visit Vatican
A group of Austrian nuns who fled their care home have traveled to Rome and visited the Vatican, drawing international attention to their departure.
Spanish Church Assembly Holds First Proposal Votes as Pope Praises Nation's Faith
The Ecclesiastical Assembly in Castile enters its second day with the first voting on proposals. Church leaders emphasize listening to young people seeking spiritual guidance.
Kuwait's Namaa Charity Opens Islamic Center in Tanzania
Namaa Charity inaugurated a 200-square-meter Islamic center in Dodoma, Tanzania, serving 250+ beneficiaries with mosque and Quranic education facilities.
Bank teller hangs up on Pope Leo XIV during account update call
Pope Leo XIV reportedly had a phone call disconnected by a US bank customer service representative after identifying himself, according to Brazilian news outlets.
Even Pope Leo Can't Escape Bad Customer Service
Pope Leo encountered a frustrating customer service experience, highlighting that even world leaders face common modern frustrations with automated systems and disconnections.
New Jersey Catholic Diocese Reverses Course, Won't Oppose Abuse Investigation
Camden Diocese Bishop Joseph Williams reversed the church's years-long legal fight against a state grand jury investigation into clergy sexual abuse, saying it's important to help victims and prevent future harm.
Pope Francis sends letter of condolence to families of Santa Catarina daycare attack victims
Pope Francis sent a letter of condolences to families of victims from a May daycare attack in Santa Catarina that killed five people, including three children. The bishop will deliver the letter during a mass on August 29.
Irish researchers discover oldest English-language poem in 9th-century manuscript found in Rome
Irish researchers have identified the oldest known English-language poem in a forgotten 1,200-year-old medieval manuscript discovered in Rome, dating back to the 9th century.
Five killed in mosque attack in San Diego; two suspects among dead
Five people, including two suspects, were killed in an active shooter attack at an Islamic Center in San Diego, USA. Children were evacuated from the facility as authorities responded to the incident.
Pope threatens excommunication of ultratraditional Catholic group over Latin Mass
Pope Leo XIV threatens excommunication of an ultratraditional Catholic fraternity that defends Latin mass practices, escalating tensions within the Church over liturgical tradition versus modernization.
Dior Cruise 2027: Old Hollywood Fantasy Takes Center Stage at LACMA
Dior unveiled its Cruise 2027 collection at LACMA with an Old Hollywood-inspired theme, featuring celebrities on the front row and vintage convertibles in a high-fashion spectacle.
Pope Leo XIV goes viral wearing Nike sneakers in Vatican documentary
A Vatican documentary featuring Pope Leo XIV has gone viral after showing him wearing Nike sneakers, sparking widespread social media discussion about the pontiff's casual footwear choice.
'The Boys' Series Finale Explained: Easter Eggs, Deaths, and Creator's Bold Choices
The Boys creator discusses the series finale's major character deaths, Easter eggs, and creative choices, including canceled Gen V spinoff plans and why a Queen Maeve cameo didn't materialize.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Director on Deepening Characters and the Cryptic Ending
Director Naoki Hamaguchi discusses the creative challenges of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, including character development, the iconic Loveless scene, and thematic explorations of life and death that expand on the original 1997 game.
Sweden raises terror alert to second-highest after Quran burnings
Sweden elevated its terrorism threat level to the second-highest following public Quran burnings by anti-Islam activists, which triggered demonstrations in Muslim-majority nations and prompted increased border security measures.
Cuba's Energy Crisis Deepens as Díaz-Canel Admits 'Particularly Tense' Situation
Cuba faces severe blackouts affecting 63% of the country as energy crisis worsens. US offers $100M humanitarian aid through Catholic Church, but distribution remains conditional.
Vatican Synod includes testimonies from married gay Catholics in official document
The Vatican Synod has officially included testimonies from married homosexual Catholics in its documents, signaling a shift in the Church's approach to addressing complex doctrinal questions regarding LGBTQ+ believers.
San Diego Mosque Attack: Helping Children Process Tragedy
Teen attackers at San Diego's Islamic Center followed far-right radicalization patterns, killing a security guard. Experts and community leaders address trauma support for children and victims' families.
Religious leaders unite against antisemitism in open letter to UK Jewish community
Religious and community leaders across the UK have signed an open letter condemning recent antisemitic attacks and pledging collective action to protect British Jews, describing the violence as a 'nightmare from another time'.
Rubio meets Pope Leo XIV as Trump escalates papal criticism
Secretary of State Rubio held a friendly meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican while Trump continues public attacks on the pontiff, signaling diplomatic tension within the U.S. administration.
Jewish teacher feared for life at Mardi Gras as antisemitism inquiry hears testimony
A Jewish Sydney teacher told a royal commission he feared for his life marching in Mardi Gras with a Jewish LGBTQIA+ group, citing hostile protests and antisemitic slurs from progressive circles following his religious conversion.
Ancient tree in Ghana holds centuries of family history and African heritage
A 13th-century tree in Ghana's Apam town serves as a living link to oral history, marking where an ancestor's traveling group decided to settle after generations of migration.
Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican, easing Trump administration tensions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss Middle East peace and bilateral relations, marking a diplomatic thaw after weeks of public tension between the pontiff and President Trump.
Colts' Simpsons-themed schedule release sets new standard for NFL creativity
The Indianapolis Colts released their 2026 NFL schedule in a creative Simpsons-themed video featuring iconic show clips and NFL easter eggs, earning praise for originality.
McCaffrey, Culpo Expecting Second Child Nine Months After Daughter's Birth
NFL star Christian McCaffrey and model Olivia Culpo announced they are expecting their second child together, nine months after welcoming their daughter Colette.
VAR Controversy Decides Arsenal-West Ham as Bowen Protests Disallowed Equalizer
West Ham's equalizer was disallowed by VAR in Arsenal's dramatic win, leaving manager Nuno Espirito Santo and player Jarrod Bowen frustrated over the controversial decision.
Vatican Issues Final Warning to Traditionalist Group Over Unauthorized Bishop Ordinations
The Vatican has issued a final warning to the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, threatening excommunication if they proceed with ordaining new bishops without papal approval.
Pope Leo XIV prepares encyclical on AI, signaling Vatican's ethical stance
Pope Leo XIV is preparing an encyclical addressing artificial intelligence, signaling the Catholic Church's formal stance on AI ethics and human dignity in the digital age.
Farage backs preacher who called homosexuality 'abomination'
Nigel Farage has drawn criticism for publicly supporting a Christian preacher facing a council banning order, despite the pastor's documented statements calling homosexuality an 'abomination' and 'vile.'
Psychologist predicts Lara and Mateus's marriage will fail in 'Um Lugar ao Sol'
A psychologist analyzes the relationship between soap opera characters Lara and Mateus, concluding it will fail because both are using the relationship to escape unresolved grief rather than genuinely loving each other.
Ten Hag Forced Into Reshuffle as Sancho and Wan-Bissaka Miss Man United vs Leeds
Erik ten Hag fields a reshuffled Man United side against Leeds due to illness ruling out Wan-Bissaka and Sancho, compounding an existing injury crisis affecting six players.
Líderes espirituais e cientista debatem relação humana com planeta Terra
Buddhist leader Monja Coen, indigenous thinker Ailton Krenak, and physicist Marcelo Gleiser discussed humanity's interconnection with nature and finite planetary resources at São Paulo Innovation Week, challenging the artificial separation between humans and the natural world.
Vatican threatens excommunication as traditionalist fraternity plans unauthorized bishop ordinations
The Vatican threatens automatic excommunication if the traditionalist Fraternity of St. Pius X ordains bishops without papal approval, reigniting a decades-long doctrinal dispute over liturgical reform and church authority.
Pope Leo XIV Goes Viral With 'Six Seven' TikTok Trend
Pope Leo XIV participated in the viral "Six Seven" TikTok trend, performing the gesture to funk music in a video that delighted young Catholics at the Vatican.
Nine arrested in modern slavery raid on Crewe religious group
Nine people arrested in raids on a Cheshire religious group over allegations of modern slavery, forced marriage, and sexual offences involving over 500 police officers across three locations.
Uganda Bishop Urges Christians to Reject Modern Idols, Prioritize God for Peace
Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua diocese called on Christians to reject modern distractions like wealth, social media, and materialism, positioning spiritual faith as essential for achieving lasting peace in Ugandan society.
Entity seeks to bar Flávio Bolsonaro from office after church appearance with Malafaia
An entity has filed for Flávio Bolsonaro's ineligibility following his appearance at evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia's church, amid broader political maneuvering for evangelical and Catholic voter support.
Pope calls for sincere criticism as Church faces Trump tensions
The Pope responds to Trump's attacks by emphasizing the Church's role in preaching the Gospel and peace, calling for sincere criticism and seeking to be heard amid Vatican-U.S. tensions.
Pope calls Christians, Muslims to transform indifference into solidarity
Pope Leo XIV urges Christians and Muslims to replace indifference with solidarity, criticizing the misuse of religion to justify wars and warning that compassion and empathy risk disappearing from human relations.
Israeli nationalists chant 'death to Arabs' in violent Jerusalem Day march
Far-right Israeli marchers chanted death threats against Arabs during a state-sponsored Jerusalem Day march, with national security minister Ben-Gvir raising an Israeli flag at al-Aqsa mosque, escalating tensions in occupied East Jerusalem.
Parques de Vitória abrem para visitação estendida no feriadão de Páscoa
Vitória's urban and natural parks will operate extended hours during the Easter holiday period, offering residents recreational opportunities and access to environmental heritage.
Pope Leo XIV threatens excommunication of traditionalist Catholic group over unauthorized bishop ordinations
Pope Leo XIV threatens excommunication of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X after the ultratraditional group announced plans to ordain bishops without Vatican approval, escalating a decades-long conflict over church authority and liturgical reform.
Pope Leo XIV addresses La Sapienza on peace, AI warfare, and youth anxiety
Pope Leo XIV visited Rome's La Sapienza University, fulfilling Benedict XVI's vision while warning against AI-directed warfare, military spending, and youth anxiety fueled by misinformation.
Vatican Responds With Conciliatory Message as Trump-Pope Tensions Escalate
The Vatican issued a conciliatory response to Trump's attacks, with Pope Francis defending his Gospel message. Secretary of State Parolin expressed concern about the unusual criticism while Marco Rubio traveled to Rome to mediate tensions.
Pope Leo XIV marks first year as moral voice against extremism
Pope Leo XIV completes his first year leading the Catholic Church, consolidating a pacifist profile and positioning himself as a moral counterweight to far-right movements while emphasizing Christian unity.
Vatican threatens excommunication for traditionalist SSPX over bishop consecrations
The Vatican has warned the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, that it risks excommunication if it proceeds with consecrating new bishops, which Rome considers a schismatic act.
Pope meets Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizes Christian unity as witness to peace
Pope Francis met with Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizing Christian unity as a witness to peace. The meeting drew criticism from Catholic traditionalists.
Pope Leo XIV's First Year: Love Works Miracles in Pompeii
Pope Leo XIV completes his first year with focus on pastoral engagement and symbolic gestures. Coverage examines his leadership style, impact on Brazilian Catholicism, and potential to unite diverse constituencies.
Pope presents Mary as 'icon of mystery' and perfect model for the Church
Pope Leon XIV delivered a catechesis on May 13 presenting Mary as the perfect model, exemplary member, and mother of the Church, drawing from Vatican II's Lumen Gentium constitution.
Botafogo salvages draw in stoppage time; Palmeiras clinches vice-championship
Botafogo secured a 2-2 draw against Cruzeiro in stoppage time, keeping alive their hopes for direct Libertadores qualification while mathematically confirming Palmeiras as vice-champions.
South Korea's intelligence chief works toward papal visit to North Korea
South Korea's intelligence chief Park Jie-won announced efforts to facilitate Pope Francis's visit to North Korea, meeting with Vatican officials to discuss the diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting peace on the peninsula.
Pope Grants Ecclesiastical Communion to Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad
Pope Francis has granted ecclesiastical communion to the Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldean Church, marking a significant gesture of unity within the Catholic communion.
Gen Z drives Catholic church attendance surge in NYC, reversing decades of religious decline
Generation Z is attending Catholic churches at record rates, with NYC parishes overwhelmed by young adult converts seeking moral order and tradition over secular values.
All Blacks Inject Youth With Four Debutants for France Test
New Zealand rugby coach Scott Robertson names four uncapped players for the test against France in Dunedin, including starters Fabian Holland and Christian Lio-Willie, as the All Blacks seek to break a three-game losing streak.
Bishops of Equatorial Guinea: Pope Leo's visit is 'a hug from God'
The bishops of Equatorial Guinea invite everyone to welcome Pope Leo's journey to the country as a “time of grace” that fosters conversion, unity, and ...
Israeli police arrest suspect in attack on Catholic nun near Jerusalem's Old City
Israeli police arrested a man following an attack on a French Catholic nun near Jerusalem's Old City, drawing widespread condemnation from religious leaders and international observers.
Geopolítica y fe: Alaska como espejo de Occidente en crisis
Spanish cardinal Cobo equates Catholic processions with Muslim celebrations as expressions of religious freedom, while geopolitical focus shifts to Alaska as Russia and America shape European destiny.
Lakers Stay Undefeated With Third Straight Blowout Over Thunder
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-99, extending their winning streak with dominant performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, showcasing improved defensive execution.
Kenya Ordains Auxiliary Bishop Karobia in Historic Nairobi Celebration
Bishop Obed Muriungi Karobia was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi's Catholic Archdiocese in a solemn May 6 celebration, addressing growing pastoral demands with emphasis on servant leadership rooted in Christ's example.
Maddur tensions escalate as Hindu leaders boycott peace meeting amid near-total bandh
A near-total bandh paralyzed Maddur town following stone-pelting incidents during a religious procession. Hindu leaders boycotted a peace committee meeting despite heavy police deployment and ongoing investigations.
Rubio meets pope as Vatican seeks to ease Trump-strained US relations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo at the Vatican to ease unprecedented tensions after Trump's attacks on the pontiff over Iran war stance. Both sides emphasized commitment to peace amid strained US-Holy See relations.
Austrian nuns who fled care home visit Vatican after convent escape
Three octogenarian Austrian nuns who fled their care home last year and broke back into their convent have traveled to Rome for a papal audience at the Vatican.
Pope responds to Trump criticism: 'Criticize me with truth'
Pope Leo XIV responds to Donald Trump's attacks, calling for truthful criticism while maintaining his commitment to peace. The Vatican prepares to receive Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid ongoing tensions.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Launches With Hidden Gems
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launches with Rocksteady co-development, featuring easter eggs, character unlocks, and Twitch drops for players.
Vatican threatens excommunication of ultraconservative Catholic group over unauthorized bishops
The Vatican threatened excommunication against the ultraconservative Fraternity of St. Pius X if they ordain nine bishops without papal authorization, marking Pope Leo XIV's first use of the Church's severest punishment.
Vatican threatens excommunication as traditionalist group defies papal authority
Pope Leo XIV threatened automatic excommunication of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X if they proceed with consecrating four bishops on July 1 without papal consent, marking the gravest challenge to his authority as he seeks reconciliation with conservative Catholics.
Video of attack on French nun in Jerusalem sparks condemnation and raises concerns over rising Christian harassment
A video showing a man attacking a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem has drawn widespread condemnation from Israeli officials and international authorities, highlighting rising hostility toward Christian communities in the region.
Pope Leo XIV marks first year: Early lessons from a papacy still taking shape
Analysis of Pope Leo XIV's first year in office reveals early patterns in his papacy while leaving significant questions about his stance on controversial issues unresolved.
Vatican establishes AI commission as Pope prepares landmark encyclical
The Vatican has created an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence as Pope Leo prepares to release his first encyclical addressing AI ethics and implications for Catholics.
Pope rejects death penalty, torture; calls for dignity protection
Pope Francis reiterates opposition to capital punishment, torture, and organized crime violence while calling for better education against drug misinformation on social media.
Cardinal Dolan marks 50 years of priesthood with jubilee Mass at St. Patrick's
Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated his golden jubilee—50 years of priestly ordination—with a special Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, reflecting on his faith and gratitude to colleagues and community.