NEWS OF THE WEEK
Italian prosecutors say they broke up a terrorist ring of Islamic extremists who were planning a bomb attack on Vatican City. Many suspects were arrested. Security has been heightened at the Vatican in the wake of this and other threats … More
Concerns about rising religious persecution ratcheted up yet again after ISIS released a new video showing the executions of dozens of Ethiopian Christians in Libya. Religious groups, including several Muslim groups, condemned the killings. The White House did as well. … More
The Vatican confirmed this week that Pope Francis will visit Cuba on his way to the US in September. Many American officials credit Francis with helping to pave the way for new US diplomatic relations with Cuba. Popes Benedict the … More
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City Missouri. Finn was convicted in criminal court in 2012 for failing to report a priest who was suspected of child abuse. The Vatican said Finn’s resignation was … More
Friday (April 24) marked the 100th anniversary of the massacre of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turks, and debate has continued over whether the mass killings should be called genocide. Many countries, including the US, avoid using that word out of deference … More
Same-sex marriage is legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia. This coming Tuesday (April 28), the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a closely watched case that could legalize it in every state. Religious groups have … More
A beloved but controversial relic has gone on rare public display. The Shroud of Turin is being exhibited through June 24th in Italy’s Turin Cathedral. Many believe it could be the burial cloth of Jesus. The linen contains a mysterious … More
A possible nuclear deal with Iran was high on the agenda as Secretary of State John Kerry and leaders from the top industrial nations met in Germany. US religious groups continue issuing reactions to the tentative agreement hammered out earlier … More
The Vatican has unexpectedly ended its nearly seven-year-long investigation and oversight of US nuns. On Thursday (April 16), Pope Francis met with representatives of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the largest umbrella group of American sisters. His doctrinal office … More
Pope Francis set off an international diplomatic furor last Sunday (April 12) for explicitly using the word “genocide” to describe the Ottoman-era massacre of Armenian Christians. He made his remarks at a special service with Armenian church leaders to mark … More
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