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Destinations

Four art-adorned churches and monasteries to inspire a trip to Europe

With captivating histories and artistic splendours, some of these incredible places of worship have also become key tourist attractions.

Design

Fancy walking on water in this Dutch former church?

This bold new design transforms a historic Dutch church into a swimming pool, where you can “walk on water” and lifeguards sit in the former pulpit.

Culture news

Antoni Gaudí, 'God's architect', to be beatified towards sainthood

Pope Francis has approved the decree recognising the "heroic virtues" of Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect of God" for his work on the design of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Vatican

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday

Pope Francis made another surprise visit to St Peter's Square at the end of the Palm Sunday Mass, one day after making an unannounced visit to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

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World News

A still recovering pope makes surprise visit to Santa Maria Maggiore

On Saturday afternoon Pope Francis went to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray.

Lifestyle

Smackdowns and salvation: Inside the church where wrestling is worship

At St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Shipley, UK, pro wrestling is performed at a monthly event to bring people closer to God. The initiative was founded by Gareth “Angel” Thompson, who overcame childhood trauma and homelessness.

Japan

Court in Japan revokes legal status of controversial ‘Moonies’ church

The country's education ministry requested the dissolution of the religious group for the harm it is alleged to have caused to its followers and their families.

Europe News

Pope Francis marks 12th anniversary in hospital with health improving

The latest medical bulletins from the Vatican on the 88-year-old's condition have said he is improving and is no longer in immediate danger of death.

Europe News

Pope continues to recover from pneumonia after three weeks in hospital

Pope Francis continued his recovery from double pneumonia on Saturday as the Vatican machinery and Holy Year celebrations marched on without him.

Europe News

Pope Francis resting after another 'quiet night,' the Vatican says

The Catholic Church pontiff continues active respiratory and motor physiotherapy, and his prognosis, according to Vatican sources, remains reserved. He has been hospitalised since 14 February.

Europe News

Pope Francis resting after early stage kidney insufficiency detected

Doctors say Pope Francis is still in critical condition on the 10th day of his hospitalisation for a complex lung infection.

Europe News

Pope Francis' health continues to improve, the Vatican says

In a statement, the Holy See said the pontiff's haemodynamic parameters are stable and that he is able to breathe independently.

Radio Schuman

Europe following US in cutting foreign aid, says Caritas

The cut to USAID by US President Donald Trump is being followed by other countries in Europe now also reducing foreign aid, according to an expert at Caritas Europe.

Design

Sagrada Familia to proceed with expansion plans amid local protests

The Sagrada Familia's controversial plan to build a stairway, displacing 1,000 families and businesses, is facing fierce opposition from locals and legal challenges.

Lifestyle

I spent the day at London's annual clown church service

On the first February of every year, clowns across the world gather in London to honour Grimaldi, the father of the profession. Amber Louise Bryce joined the jesters for the day.

Culture news

Unlocking the sacred: What happens at the Holy Door for Jubilee 2025?

The Jubilee ceremony begins with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica. The ceremony includes prayers in Latin and Italian, symbolising forgiveness, as the Pope crosses the threshold to start the Holy Year.

Culture news

Priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter video shoot stripped of duties

"Please, please, please / Don't bring me to tears when I just... get investigated for mismanagement." Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been relieved of his duties, following an investigation that was launched when he authorized pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a music video inside his church.

Culture news

Rome's Jubilee year mascot is an anime-inspired pilgrim

Created by Roman designer Simone Legno, the mascot represents a pilgrim inspired by Japanese comics in an attempt to appeal to young people.

Europe News

Archbishop Welby resigns over mishandled sexual abuse allegations

Survivors of the abuse, particularly those targeted by John Smyth, a prominent figure who abused young men for decades, expressed relief at Welby's decision, seeing it as a step toward accountability.

Culture news

Why does this French statue of a priest have an erection?

French artist's latest artwork depicts an erect Abbé Pierre - a statement on the church's omerta against sexual abuse.