An Abrahamic monotheistic faith centered on Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah
Pope Leo has delivered repeated calls for peace during the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, emphasizing dialogue over violence. Speaking at Easter and a peace vigil, he condemned the use of Christian faith to justify war and highlighted the suffering in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified Christian rhetoric within the military, prompting controversy and legal challenges.
Gaza's small Christian community marks Easter with prayers and traditions despite severe shortages and violence. Many have fled, and church attendance is down. Restrictions and attacks have disrupted religious practices, highlighting ongoing conflict and humanitarian struggles in the region.
The Pentagon has removed the Christian label from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its religion-codes, narrowing the list of recognized denominations to about 31. Lawmakers and church leaders accuse the move of mischaracterizing LDS Christianity, while the Defense Department says the change aims to streamline chaplain support and resource access.
Merlin Lu has admitted to a cross burning in Grant Park on June 9 and says the act was a protest against Trump and the ruling class. He faces four felonies and four misdemeanors, including a hate crime, with prosecutors releasing details and Lu stating the intent was not racist.
Attackers have struck communities in Zamfara and Plateau states, killing and abducting residents and prompting government relief efforts as Nigeria faces a rising insurgency tied to armed gangs, farmers, and criminal networks.
Trump has used a Faith & Freedom Coalition event to dub Democratic candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America as communists, arguing they threaten religion and American life. He links rent-control moves in New York to a broader national threat, while opponents push back on the claims.