As the sun rose over the U.S. Capitol on the last Sunday in April, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, wearing a gold cross necklace, sat next to Sen. Cory Booker on the building’s stone steps. The two looked around quietly…
Belief in Spirits And The Afterlife Common Around the World
Belief in the supernatural — including life after death and the idea that animals and nature can possess spirits — is common across diverse cultures and religions, with younger and older generations sharing similar views, a new survey reveals.
Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains
Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, “Hope,” Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He recalled that during his travels to Rome as a cardinal, he prayed in front…
Sotheby’s postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from India’s government
Sotheby’s on Wednesday postponed an auction of jewels associated with Buddha’s remains after the Indian government opposed the sale and demanded it be halted.
Catholic Right Support isn’t the Only Reason Trump Believes He Can Get Away with Mockery of Catholicism
Last week, just days after Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome, Trump was asked by reporters if he had anyone in mind for the next pope. His answer: “I’d like to be pope.
‘Popemobile’ Turns Into Health Clinic For Gaza’s Children, As Pope Francis Wished
One of Pope Francis’ “popemobiles” is being turned into a mobile health clinic for Gaza’s wounded and starving children — one of the pontiff’s last wishes before he died and a symbol of his long-held dedication to the Palestinian people.
Dave Portnoy rescinds Auschwitz invitation for student involved in ‘F— the Jews’ incident at his bar
A saga unfolded on Dave Portnoy’s social media channels over the last two days as he raged over an antisemitic sign at one of his bars, pledged to send the perpetrators on an all-expenses-paid tour of Auschwitz and then, after…
Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim dialogue and helped break down stereotypes
Pope Francis’ pontificate marked a distinct shift in the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Muslim world. While his predecessors fostered dialogue and tolerance, Francis sought more active engagement with Muslims, particularly in the Middle East.
Shane Claiborne, four other faith activists arrested while protesting GOP budget bill
Five faith leaders were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday (May 5), the second time in as many weeks clergy and others have been handcuffed as they speak out against the Republican-led budget bill.
BYU trio among handful of college basketball players paying it forward
It’s no easy chore for BYU basketball players to escape the program’s soaring expectations, which, like the morning sun, seem to rise brighter each day. Whether it’s Joe Lunardi’s projection as a No. 2 seed for next year’s NCAA Tournament…
USCCB’s immigration chief: ‘We announce the gospel, in season and out’
In 2022, Pope Francis was asked about the U.S. bishops’ conference and identified one man, El Paso, Texas, Bishop Mark Seitz, as an example of a “good pastor.” Seitz, who had just been named to head the U.S. Conference of…
China Bans Missionary Work Without State Approval in New Restrictions
The Chinese Communist Party enacted new restrictions on foreign missionaries there May 1, preventing them from preaching, evangelizing and establishing various religious organizations among other activities without official government approval.