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Vatican

Benedict XVI: The first pope in over 600 years to resign

In February 2013, the then Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world. He became the first pontiff since 1415 to resign from the role, leading the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

World News

Nativity scenes from around the world on display in St. Peter's Square

The war in Ukraine and climate change are among the themes of this year's exhibition

Poland

Men acquitted over toppling statue of priest suspected of child abuse

The incident was a symbolic moment in Poland's reckoning with clerical abuse.

Culture news

Why did Norway's Queen Sonja visit this church in Minneapolis?

Queen Sonja of Norway made a special visit to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, also known as Mindekirken

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Thousands of Catholics gather in Fatima shrine

Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful gathered in Fatima, Portugal for the traditional pilgrimage. But this year, their prayers and thoughts are also with the Portuguese Catholic church which has been in the spotlight due to cases of alleged sexual abuse but also possible cover-up maneuvers.

Spain

Court upholds ex-priest's 30-year sentence for abusing children

The man sexually assaulted seven boys at a boarding school between 2013 and 2016.

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Hundreds of Russian history enthusiasts re-enacting the Battle of the Ice.

Hundreds of Russian history enthusiasts re-enacting the Battle of the Ice, in Samolva, Russia.

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Small boy becomes star of pope's weekly audience

A small boy surprised audiences at the Pope's weekly audience.

Egypt

Egypt church inferno kills 41, including 18 children

At least 41 people have died - including 18 children - and 14 others were injured after a fire ripped through a Coptic Church in Cairo during the Sunday morning service.

France

UK author Ken Follett donates €148,000 to restore French cathedral

The Welshman originally wanted to donate the funds to rebuild Notre-Dame in Paris, but was persuaded to help restore the Cathedral of St. Samson in Brittany.

Destinations

How to experience Armenia’s ‘hidden track’ culture

This former Soviet country is underrated among summer destinations - with thousands of churches, secret monasteries, wine and brandy tours to explore.

Green News

Local branch of UK's biggest church is first to pledge climate action

From now on, those who undertake confirmation or baptism ceremonies at the large Church of England diocese will also have to commit to climate action.

Art

Syrian refugee carves incredible model of Cologne Cathedral

Fadel Alkhudr arrived in Cologne in 2015, having fled the war in Syria. Four years later he began carving a model of the city's cathedral in his small basement.

Germany

Report finds 196 German clerics abused children in Münster diocese

The research found that there were at least 610 victims of abuse in the diocese over 75 years, but the true number could be as high as 6,000.

World

At least 21 killed in gun and bomb attack at church in Nigeria

“No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light," said Nigeria's president, responding to the attack.

France

French police investigate fire at Russian Orthodox Church in Paris

The blaze caused severe damage to the small church over the weekend.

Italy

Pope cites nuclear risk as he makes Easter plea for peace in Ukraine

“Shall we put an end to the human race, or shall mankind renounce war?" the pope quoted, as he made an anguished Easter Sunday plea for peace in Ukraine.

United Kingdom

Archbishop slams UK-Rwanda asylum plan as 'against the nature of God'

The head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said in his Easter sermon that the UK's plan to send some asylum seekers to Africa poses "serious ethical questions".

France

Man arrested over 'improvised explosive device' in Toulouse cathedral

Authorities evacuated the church during Morning Mass after a suspect entered and left a suspicious package.

World News

Northern Ireland government formally apologises to child abuse victims

The formal apology came more than five years after an inquiry into historical abuse at church institutions.