Pope begs forgiveness of Indigenous for Canada school abuses

More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s. Now, Pope Francis is apologizing for the rampant physical and sexual abuse that took place.

Texans head to Ukraine border to assist in refugee crisis

Texans are committing to long-term stretches in Ukraine, volunteering to aid refugees at the border and help distribute supplies for months ahead.

How Muhammad Ali, African American Muslims established Houston’s most historic mosque

In January 1978, a former Christian Science church on Third Ward, was purchased and turned into Houston Masjid Al-Islam with funds donated by late heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali and his manager, Jabir (Herbert) Muhammad.

Retired pope asks for pardon in handling of abuse cases, admits no wrongdoing

Retired Pope Benedict XVI is asking forgiveness in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases. But he is not admitting to any personal or specific wrongdoing.

Jewish leaders mark first Sabbath since Texas synagogue hostage siege

Jewish leaders marked the first Sabbath since last weekend's hostage-taking at Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, with a show of defiance against it and other acts of antisemitism.

Texas Synagogue Aftermath: Houston Rabbi breathes sigh of relief after hostages rescued

“When [crimes like this] happen to one of our own friends and colleagues, and not too far from home, we really shutter when we think about what the experience might be,” Rabbi David Lyon with Congregation Beth Israel - Houston explained.

Pope Francis baptizes 16 babies in Sistine Chapel after pandemic break

Pope Francis baptized 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, resuming a decades-old Vatican tradition that had been interrupted last year by the pandemic.

Pope criticizes couples who adopt pets instead of children: 'a form of selfishness'

Pope Francis on Wednesday branded couples who adopt pets instead of children as "selfish" as part of a call to resolve the "demographic winter" that the West faces.

Pope Francis starts new year with call to protect women, focus on the good

Pope Francis has used his New Year's Day appearances to encourage people to focus on the good which unites them and to decry violence against women.

Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride

Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.

Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose

During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.

‘Chanukah Sameach’ : Biden recognizes Hanukkah  2021 with well wishes

“From our family to yours, and from the People’s House to your own homes, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

Phil Saviano, Catholic church sex abuse survivor and whistleblower, dies

Saviano played a central role in illuminating the scandal, which led to the resignation of Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law and church settlements with hundreds of victims.

Survey: Few Americans blame God for COVID-19 pandemic, other tragedies

A large majority of U.S. adults believe that most of the suffering in the world comes from people rather than from God, according to surveys from the Pew Research Center.

Diwali 2021: What to know about the festival of lights

The Hindu festival of Diwali, which symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated by millions across the world.