Leaders & Institutions
Pope Francis says he has a lung inflammation but will go to Dubai this week for a climate conference
By Frances D'emilio — November 27, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis gave the traditional noon blessing in an appearance televised live from the chapel in the Vatican hotel.
With antisemitism rising as the Israel-Hamas war rages, Europe’s Jews worry
By Jamey Keaten and Laurie Kellman — November 27, 2023
A film sheds light on 11 daring women whose defiant act changed the Episcopal Church
By Yonat Shimron — November 24, 2023
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A French bishop is accused of attempted rape in latest scandal to hit Catholic Church in France
By Associated Press — November 22, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The Bishops' Conference of France said the accused bishop, Georges Colomb, contests the charge and deserves the presumption of innocence.

DeSantis won’t condemn Musk for endorsing an antisemitic post. ‘I did not see the comment,’ he says.
By Will Weissert — November 21, 2023
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The governor also said he opposes antisemitism “across the board,” no matter if it comes from the right or left of the ideological spectrum.

For this group of trans women, the pope and his message of inclusivity are a welcome change
By Trisha Thomas and Nicole Winfield — November 21, 2023
TORVAIANICA, Italy (AP) — For the marginalized trans community of Torvaianica, it was just the latest gesture of inclusion from a pope who has made reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community a hallmark of his papacy.

Daisaku Ikeda, head of global Japanese Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, dies at 95
By Yuri Kageyama — November 21, 2023
TOKYO (AP) — Ikeda is credited with reviving Nichiren Buddhism in the modern age, making it more accessible for present-day practitioners.

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Tulsa pastor declared heretic for views on hell, dies at 70
By Adelle M. Banks — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — 'I’d rather err on the goodness, greatness and graciousness of God than the opposite,' Pearson once said.

Franklin Graham tours devastation in Israel, commits to helping rebuild
By Yonat Shimron — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — Israel has been the beneficiary of millions of dollars from Christian charities and a flood of volunteers. Samaritan's Purse is among them.

Art Simon, founder of Christian anti-hunger group Bread for the World, dies at 93
By Adelle M. Banks and Bob Smietana — November 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We can be accidental accomplices in keeping people poor,’ TV travel host Rick Steves said he learned from Simon.

Elie Wiesel-inspired fellowship models peace building amid Israel-Hamas War
By Kathryn Post — November 17, 2023
(RNS) — 'We are all facing a choice right now, with peers and colleagues and friends: will we lean in or will we lean out?' Ariel Burger, founder of The Witness Institute, told RNS.

Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic cardinal says he dreams of bishops from greater China praying together
By Kanis Leung — November 17, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Joseph Li's arrival in Hong Kong on Monday at the invitation of cardinal Stephen Chow marked the first-ever official visit by a Beijing bishop to the city.

Bishop T.D. Jakes helps launch online hub to aid faith leaders with mental health tools
By Adelle M. Banks — November 15, 2023
(RNS) — Jakes introduced the ‘Faith and Mental Health Hub,’ a free online course that aims to define mental health, reduce stigma and encourage self-care activities.

In bipartisan March for Israel, crowd rejects cease-fire, demands release of hostages
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 14, 2023
(RNS) — The march was intended as a response to numerous demonstrations across the country and the world — some led by Jews — calling for an end to Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza.

The head of China’s state-backed Catholic church begins historic trip to Hong Kong
By Kanis Leung — November 14, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Experts said the invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican.
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