Philippines marks Easter with bloody mock crucifixions
Catholic zealots in the Philippines re-enacted the last hours of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, whipping their backs and nailing themselves to crosses in a grisly Easter ritual that persists despite Church disapproval.
Pope to stamp personal touch on Easter celebrations
Pope Francis will stamp his personal touch on Easter celebrations starting by washing the feet of young prisoners on Thursday as he stresses the importance of reaching out to those in need.
Muslim-born convert quits Church after pope change
A Muslim-born journalist whose 2008 baptism by Pope Benedict XVI made him Italy's most famous convert announced Monday he was leaving the Catholic Church over the new pontiff's overtures to Islam.
Kazakhstan's spiritual landscape can change drastically: Lama Sharif
Kairat Lama Sharif spoke about the threats that could arise from mass transition of Kazakhstan young people to non-traditional religions.
New Pope warns Church of dangers of inaction
Pope Francis has warned that the troubled Catholic Church risks becoming little more than a charity with no spiritual foundations if it fails to undergo renewal.
Russian Church predicts good ties with new Pope
The Russian Orthodox Church expects that newly elected Pope Francis will foster positive relations between the two churches.
Pope Francis hailed, urged to work for peace
World leaders and Catholics hailed the election of Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina as the first Latin American pope on Wednesday, urging him to work for religious reconciliation and peace.
Argentina's Bergoglio elected first Latin American pope
Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on Wednesday, becoming the first Latin American pontiff in an astonishing decision that raises hopes of greater openness for the troubled Catholic Church.
Iraqi Christians fear fate of departed Jews
After 10 years of attacks on Iraqi Christians, Monsignor Pios Cacha wonders if the ancient community's days are numbered.
Too easy to put all blame on Church for sex abuse: cardinal
Putting the blame for pedophilia on the Roman Catholic Church is a way of avoiding the issue.
Vatican readies Sistine Chapel for conclave to elect pope
Vatican workers made final preparations in the Sistine Chapel on Saturday after Roman Catholic cardinals voted to begin their conclave to elect a new pope under Michelangelo's famous frescoes next week.
Sex abuse victims list 'dirty dozen' papal candidates
Clergy sex abuse victims listed a "dirty dozen" potential papal candidates Wednesday and urged the Roman Catholic Church to "get serious" about protecting children, helping victims and exposing corruption.
Vatican, Iran resist UN effort fighting violence on women
The Vatican, Iran and other religious states are resisting efforts by a UN conference, which started Monday, to demand tougher global standards to prevent violence against women and children.
Egyptian University Nur-Mubarak renamed
Egyptian University of the Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak in Almaty changed its name to Kazakh-Egyptian Islamic University Nur.
British cardinal apologises for sexual conduct
Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned last week as Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric, on Sunday admitted that his sexual conduct had "fallen below the standards expected of me".
Cardinals to begin pre-conclave talks in Vatican
Catholic cardinals begin talks on Monday ahead of a conclave to elect the next pope, following Benedict XVI's historic resignation, as a British cardinal not in attendance admitted to sexual misconduct with priests.
Cardinals look to conclave as Benedict begins quiet life
Cardinals from around the world were summoned Friday to meetings that will set a date for a conclave to elect a new pope, as Benedict XVI settled into a pensioner's life after becoming the first pontiff to resign in more than 700 years.
Croatia Catholic Church in anti-sex education campaign
Freshly introduced sexual education classes in Croatia's schools has split the EU-bound country as the powerful Catholic Church challenges the centre-left government over its newest addition to the curriculum.
Turkey wants to retrieve kids fostered outside their culture
Turkey has embarked on a campaign to retrieve children of Turkish immigrant families living in Europe who are fostered by foreigners, and instead place them in homes where their cultural identity can be preserved.
Former Kazakhstan's Supreme Mufti appointed Director of Oriental Studies Institute
Absattar hajji Derbissali has been appointed Director of Suleimenov Oriental Studies Institute.