World
Belgian bishop defrocked 14 years after admitting to abusing nephew
By Nicole Winfield — March 22, 2024
ROME (AP) — The Vatican announcement that Francis had laicized Vangheluwe came a few months before the pope is due to visit Belgium, where the case would have been an unwelcome and problematic distraction.
Their children disappeared in Argentina’s dictatorship. These mothers have looked for them since
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — March 22, 2024
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Nora Cortiñas' commitment sums up the driving force of Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a human rights organization created by women whose children were kidnapped by the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983.
Israeli rabbinate under scrutiny as religious issues threaten government’s wartime unity
By David I. Klein — March 21, 2024
(RNS) — A complaint against the rabbinate's control of who is deemed Jewish comes as cracks are beginning to show in the sense of unity fostered by Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7.
Sen. Schumer called for Israel’s new elections. American Jews fractured.
By Yonat Shimron — March 20, 2024
(RNS) — The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said in its statement that it was 'distressed' by Sen. Schumer's speech. Then a group of Jewish organizations revolted against the statement.
Haiti’s crisis is at a tipping point. The world needs to help.
By David Vanderpool — March 20, 2024
(RNS) — The international community has a moral obligation to support Haiti during this crisis.
Algeria scolds television stations for Ramadan advertising blitz and immoral programming
By Associated Press — March 20, 2024
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algerian Communications Minister Mohamed Lagab accused networks of not respecting ethical and professional lines, calling their programmatic choices “out of keeping with the social traditions of our society and especially the sacredness of the month of Ramadan.”
New Catholic Spanish language record label seeks to catch up to Christian industry
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — March 19, 2024
(RNS) — Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to 'go out,' Juan Delgado and Pedro Rubalcava launched Via Cantus in February 2023.
Bulgarians line the streets of the capital to bid farewell to Orthodox Patriarch Neophyte
By Associated Press — March 19, 2024
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — The spiritual leader of Bulgaria’s Orthodox Christians died on Wednesday at the age of 78 after a long illness.
Notre Dame Cathedral’s restoration has been a 5-year journey of dedication and recovery
By Thomas Adamson — March 19, 2024
PARIS (AP) — The iconic medieval monument immortalized in history, film and literature has been gradually rebuilt over the past five years, through challenges that have included delays during the pandemic and the loss of the project's leader.
A Holocaust exhibit seemed harmless. With the war in Gaza, it’s come under scrutiny.
By Yonat Shimron — March 18, 2024
DURHAM (RNS) — The US Holocaust Memorial Museum exhibit, 'Some Were Neighbors,' has been traveling across the country for the past two years. A coalition of Durham residents say it presents a narrow view of genocide.
Jesus’ comfort is for all who suffer: A response to Mike Cosper and Christianity Today
By Ben Norquist — March 18, 2024
(RNS) — Jesus is perishing among the 30,000 who have died in Gaza as much as he was those killed on Oct. 7.
Famine is said to be imminent in northern Gaza as Israel raids the main hospital again
By Wafaa Shurafa, Tia Goldenberg, and Samy Magdy — March 18, 2024
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The ministry said around 30,000 people are sheltering at the hospital, including patients, medical staff and people who have fled their homes seeking safety.
Netanyahu snaps back against growing US criticism after being accused of losing his way on Gaza
By Ravi Nessman and Tia Goldenberg — March 18, 2024
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The U.S., which has provided key military and diplomatic support to Israel, also has expressed concerns about a planned Israeli assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Bulgarians pay their last respects to the late Orthodox patriarch
By Associated Press — March 18, 2024
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Neophyte, who became patriarch in 2013, was the first head of the Bulgarian church to be chosen after the fall of Communism in 1989.
Head of Catholic order for the Holy Land calls for a ‘just peace’
By Claire Giangravé — March 15, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As skepticism of brokering peace in the Holy Land grows, Cardinal Fernando Filoni insisted coexistence is still possible.