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."

Pope expresses 'shame' at scale of child sex abuse by clergy in France

Pope Francis expressed “shame” over a report that estimated some 330,000 French children were abused by clergy and other church authority figures.

Southern Baptist Convention panel votes to unseal records in sex abuse probe

Waiving that privilege is considered crucial to enabling a transparent reckoning into how the denomination's leaders responded to abuse and abusers in its churches and institutions.

Southern Baptists press for sexual abuse investigation to advance

A top Southern Baptist Convention committee is facing mounting pressure from within the denomination to move forward without further delay an investigation into how it handled sexual abuse allegations.

Facebook's new prayer tool arrives to mixed reception

Users who are members of faith-based Facebook groups will find an option allowing them to request prayers and other group members will be able to respond via the “I prayed” icon.

Hillsong founder says COVID-19 vaccine is a ‘personal decision’ after church member dies

Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston said much of his staff are fully vaccinated after church member Stephen Harmon, refused to get inoculated and later died from COVID-19.

Torrance nun accused of embezzling $835K from Catholic school pleads guilty

'I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT B.S. COMING FROM YOU': A U.S. district judge started the plea hearing by telling the court that he was raised as a Roman Catholic, "and was educated by nuns. And I don't look at nuns as ordinary people.''

Pope Francis returns to Vatican 10 days after surgery

Pope Francis arrived at the Vatican Wednesday after being discharged from a Rome hospital 10 days after intestinal surgery to remove half of his colon.

Pope Francis eats breakfast, takes walk 2 days after intestinal surgery

Pope Francis ate breakfast Tuesday and took a walk as he continues to recover from a scheduled intestinal surgery, the Vatican said.