Europe News
Climbing instead of praying? More and more churches repurposed
A church is being turned into a bouldering centre: in Würzburg, a former place of worship will host sport, a café and meetings. Painful for the parish, it offers the building a fresh start and highlights the dilemma facing many churches in Germany.
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Culture news
The gilded dead: Germany's eerie catacomb saints revealed
Known as Vincenzius, Valerius, Benedictus, and Felix Benedictus, these catacomb saints were brought to the Bavarian town of Bad Staffelstein from Rome during the late 17th and 18th centuries. The remains are believed to be those of early Christian martyrs.
Culture news
Celebrities speak out against Donald Trump’s AI Jesus image
It’s the now-deleted AI image that has sparked heated criticism and accusations of blasphemy, with Jon Stewart calling out Trump for the explanation behind the image, and Jack White slamming Christians who continue to support Trump – dubbing him the “worst American of all time.”
World News
Religious symbols and rhetoric in the Mideast war
The messages exchanged in the Middle East reflect a different face of warfare. Religious rhetoric is being employed in an uncommon and increasing way, with symbols of the three major monotheistic religions overlapping: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the middle of war.
Art
Controversial Easter confessions: Maurizio Cattelan's sinners hotline
For his latest work, Maurizio Cattelan wants you to confess... Absolution is at stake. To mark the start of Easter, as well as the 21st anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, the Italian artist has also made a limited edition of his most provocative and widely debated work... 666 of them.
Art
Italy buys devotional Renaissance painting for €12 million
For the second time in a month, Italy has spent millions to buy a historic painting as it moves to protect its national art heritage. The government has acquired a devotional painting of early Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina for €12.6 million euros.