Facebook's new prayer tool arrives to mixed reception

Users who are members of faith-based Facebook groups will find an option allowing them to request prayers and other group members will be able to respond via the “I prayed” icon.

Former DC archbishop Theodore McCarrick charged with abusing minor: report

The Associated Press reports that defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who served as archbishop of Washington, D.C. from 2001 to 2006, is facing charges in the 1970s sexual assault of teen.

'They're stirring up stuff': Ga. sheriff says organization targeting his religious expression

A Georgia sheriff says a national organization is trying to tell him what he can post on social media. The Freedom From Religion Foundation says it's unconstitutional for the official sheriff's page to post about religion.

Hillsong founder says COVID-19 vaccine is a ‘personal decision’ after church member dies

Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston said much of his staff are fully vaccinated after church member Stephen Harmon, refused to get inoculated and later died from COVID-19.

Mississippi argues Supreme Court should overturn Roe v. Wade ruling

Mississippi is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Torrance nun accused of embezzling $835K from Catholic school pleads guilty

'I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT B.S. COMING FROM YOU': A U.S. district judge started the plea hearing by telling the court that he was raised as a Roman Catholic, "and was educated by nuns. And I don't look at nuns as ordinary people.''

Pope Francis returns to Vatican 10 days after surgery

Pope Francis arrived at the Vatican Wednesday after being discharged from a Rome hospital 10 days after intestinal surgery to remove half of his colon.

Dalai Lama turns 86: Spiritual leader expresses appreciation in video message

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has celebrated his 86th birthday by thanking his supporters and expressing his appreciation to India, where he has lived since he fled his homeland in 1959.

Pope Francis eats breakfast, takes walk 2 days after intestinal surgery

Pope Francis ate breakfast Tuesday and took a walk as he continues to recover from a scheduled intestinal surgery, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis alert and well after intestinal surgery, Vatican says

Pope Francis is “in good condition, alert and breathing on his own,” a day after he underwent planned intestinal surgery, the Vatican said.

60 House Democrats sign letter asking Catholic leaders to reconsider Biden rebuke over abortion

U.S. Catholic bishops have overwhelmingly approved the drafting of a “teaching document” that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, for receiving Communion despite their support for abortion rights.

Supreme Court rules Philadelphia wrongly limited ties with Catholic foster care that refused same-sex couples

In another victory for religious groups at the Supreme Court, the justices on Thursday unanimously sided with a Catholic foster care agency that says its religious views prevent it from working with same-sex couples. The court said the city of Philadelphia wrongly limited its relationship with the group as a result of the agency's policy.

Southern Baptists vote to probe leaders on handling of alleged sexual abuse

Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting have voted overwhelmingly to create a task force to oversee an independent investigation into the denomination’s handling of sexual abuse.

Secret recordings, leaked letters show Southern Baptist officials neglected sexual abuse claims

Releases of leaked letters and secret recordings from within the Southern Baptist Convention are intensifying as critics seek to show top leaders were slow to address sexual abuse and worried more about its reputation and donations than about victims.