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Vatican

Pope Leo XIV asks that Rome welcome foreigners as 2025 draws to an end

The Vatican this week released statistics showing 3.2 million people had participated in Vatican liturgies, audiences, Angelus prayers and Jubilee audiences this year.

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The Islamic Civilization Centre in Uzbekistan: a modern masterpiece of Central Asia

In partnership with Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan

Islamic Civilization Centre in Uzbekistan stands as a modern architectural masterpiece rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Spain

Police dismantle Spanish cult that used illicit drugs in its rituals

Spanish police arrested five people running a group that charged hefty sums for rituals involving animal sacrifice and illicit drugs. The cult leader was jailed after followers required psychiatric treatment.

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Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center: Reframing Central Asia’s place in global history

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s new Islamic Civilization Center aims to reshape how Central Asia is seen globally, highlighting its role in science, culture and cross-civilizational exchange.

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Focus

Uzbekistan revives the legacy of islam’s greatest hadith scholar

In partnership with Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has completed a major restoration of the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, one of the Muslim world's most revered pilgrimage sites.

Culture news

Rare Roman-style 'Good Shepherd' fresco discovered in Turkey

The 3rd-century fresco uncovered by Turkish archaeologists is the best-preserved of its kind to date.

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Turkey find reveals rare Roman-style Jesus fresco

A rare 3rd-century fresco of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was discovered near Iznik, Turkey.

Cinema

Film of the Week: 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'

It's three for three in Rian Johnson's whodunit series, with Daniel Craig returning as gentleman sleuth Benoit Blanc for a gothic mystery full of dark humour, topical jabs, and a commanding performance from Josh O’Connor.

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Central Asia and Azerbaijan: a shared cultural legacy for a shared future

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Culture is the memory of civilisation — a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.

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Inside Uzbekistan’s drive to reclaim its heritage

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan’s spiritual revival.

World News

Pope Leo XIV heads to Lebanon to try bring message of hope

The Pope held prayers at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul on Sunday as he aims to gather support within Christian communities around the globe.

Turkey

Pope Leo XIV calls for unity of Christian world in Nicaea ceremony

The ceremony, in which Catholic and Orthodox hymns were sung alternately, was held in the area where the remains of the Basilica of St Neophytos were recently exposed by falling water levels.

Culture news

The Vatican praises Rosalía for her spiritual new album ‘LUX’

The global Spanish pop star has blown fans and critics away with her radical shift in sound on 'LUX', released earlier this month. Now, the clergy are sharing how ecstatic they are about Rosalía's new album.

Australia

Thai woman found alive in coffin moments before temple cremation

A 65-year-old Thai woman shocked temple staff when she began moving inside her coffin moments before cremation. Her brother believed she had died after becoming unresponsive for two days, but staff heard faint knocking and rushed her to a nearby hospital.

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Australian senator Pauline Hanson suspended for wearing burqa in parliament

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson was suspended for seven sitting days after entering Parliament in a burqa during a protest against the rejection of her bill to ban full-face coverings.

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Rare 15th-century illuminated Bible goes on public display for Vatican Holy Year

A rare 15th-century illuminated Bible, considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art, has gone on display in Rome for the Vatican’s Holy Year after being transported under heavy security from Modena.

Culture news

Take a look inside the ‘Mona Lisa Bible’ as it goes on display in Rome

Rarely seen in public, the two-volume manuscript is now on display in Rome – as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations, a tradition held every quarter century and which draws tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome.

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Mexico’s Day of the Dead: Candles, flowers and the return of souls

In the town of Arocutin, western Mexico, families spent the night in candlelit cemeteries, welcoming the souls of their loved ones during the Day of the Dead — a vibrant tradition blending Indigenous and Catholic beliefs.

Travel News

This cruise aims to make sailing easier for Muslim travellers

The M/V Piano Land sailing from Malaysia in November, will cater specifically to Muslim travellers, with facilities such as 100 per cent halal food and alcohol-free beverages.

Romania

Romania's Saint Parascheva feast draws tens of thousands of pilgrims

Thousands of faithful braved the rain and bad weather on the first day of their pilgrimage in the capital of the Moldova region, lining up in queues that stretched for almost 2 kilometres.