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.

Lakewood Church money: Plumber who found cash, checks in wall to get $20K

Crime Stoppers of Houston is gifting $20,000 to the plumber who found a large amount of money inside of a wall at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church last month. Police believe the money is connected to a theft case from 2014.

Cash, checks found in wall at Lakewood Church during repair work is from 2014 theft, says HPD

A large amount of money – including cash, checks and money orders – was found inside a wall while renovation work was being done at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church. Houston police say it's from the 2014 theft, where $600,000 were reported stolen from the church's safe.

Fla. lawmakers could shield churches from health shutdowns

Churches and other religious institutions couldn’t be stopped from packing the pews during future health crises under a measure that started moving forward Tuesday in the Florida Senate.

Anti-Semitic flyers found on front yards of several Beverly Hills homes

On the first day of Hanukkah, several Beverly Hills residents were shocked to find anti-Semitic flyers placed around the front yards of their homes. 

‘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.

Survey: Few Americans blame God for COVID-19 pandemic, other tragedies

A large majority of U.S. adults believe that most of the suffering in the world comes from people rather than from God, according to surveys from the Pew Research Center.

France's Catholic Church agrees to compensate victims of sexual abuse

French bishops said in a written statement on Monday that they will set up an “independent, national body” tasked with addressing compensation issues regarding sex abuse victims.

Hindus take holy dip in sacred Yamuna River despite toxic foam

A vast stretch of the Yamuna river is covered with white toxic foam, caused in part by pollutants discharged from industries ringing New Delhi.

Diwali 2021: What to know about the festival of lights

The Hindu festival of Diwali, which symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated by millions across the world.

Biden receives Communion in Rome amid abortion debate in US

While President Joe Biden regularly receives Communion in his home dioceses in Washington and Delaware, it was significant that he also received Communion in Rome.

Biden: Pope Francis told him he should 'keep receiving communion'

President Joe Biden said the issue of abortion did not come up in his meeting with Pope Francis, but that the pontiff said he should keep receiving Communion.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI hopes to soon join friends in 'the afterlife'

In a letter reproduced in German media, the emeritus pope writes that he hopes he can be soon reunited with his friends who have passed away.

Megan Rice, nun imprisoned over peace activism, dies at 91

Megan Rice died of congestive heart failure Oct. 10 at Holy Child Center in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, according to her order, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus

Jill Biden reconnects with her South Carolina church, opens up about faith

The first lady quietly flew to West Columbia for a surprise appearance at the 50th anniversary celebration for Pastor Charles B. Jackson Sr. of Brookland Baptist Church.

Pope Francis expresses 'shame' at scale of clergy abuse in France

Pope Francis has expressed "shame" for himself and the Roman Catholic Church for the scale of the sexual abuse of children within the church in France and "sadness and pain for the trauma that they suffered."