The largest Christian church, led by the Pope, with global reach and a long history
On Palm Sunday 2026, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo from entering Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns due to ongoing conflict with Iran. This marked the first such restriction in centuries, sparking international criticism and diplomatic protests over religious freedom during Holy Week.
Spain's Holy Week processions continue across the country, with traditional roles for women and men. Controversy arose in Sagunto over excluding women, but many villages defend inclusive participation. The processions, deeply rooted in regional culture, involve elaborate floats and religious observances, with growing interest despite increasing secularism.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.
The pope has arrived in Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African tour, where he has denounced resource exploitation and social inequality. The visit occurs amid criticism of President Obiang's long-standing authoritarian rule and ongoing corruption, with the church's role intertwined with the government.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed a Mass for roughly 100,000 attendees in Mongomo and is visiting a Bata prison, urging Equatorial Guinea to pursue justice and bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged amid long-standing human rights concerns and economic inequality.
Pope Leo has pushed back after President Trump accused him of endorsing Irans nuclear armament, saying the Church has opposed nuclear weapons for years and asking worshippers to pray for governments to abandon violence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met and pledged to improve VaticanUS relations while stressing dialogue on Middle East and hemisphere issues.
Sabastian Sawe has become the first official marathoner to run 26.2 miles in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30 on April 26. The 31-year-old Kenyan athlete, who debuted in Valencia in 2024, has sparked reflections on faith and national sporting identity as celebrations spread across Kenya.
Four men have been convicted of terrorism in the 2022 Owo church attack in Ondo State. A fifth defendant is acquitted. The court handed down multiple sentences, including death by hanging on several counts, with other terms of imprisonment. Survivors say justice remains incomplete as insecurity persists.
Pope has urged the Catholic Church to listen, tell the truth, offer justice and repair as Spain advances a government-backed reparations program for clergy abuse. Survivors say they are left in the dark about meetings with the pope and critics warn the church’s secrecy around confession continues to shield abuse. Several former Opus Dei members sought audiences without success.
Pope Leo XIV is on a weeklong Spain tour, addressing Parliament and meeting migrants, abuse-survivor groups, and young Catholics as Europe faces political polarization, migration pressures, and a church grappling with decades of abuse disclosures.
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.
Bishops in Orlando have held a consecration service to the Sacred Heart, tying devotion to service and justice while drawing political overtones. The move follows a long Catholic tradition and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the church's role in public life. Revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People were approved earlier in the week.
The Pentagon has released a batch of 50-plus classified documents on unidentified aerial phenomena. The material offers no proof of alien life, but details new sightings and how authorities have tried to interpret them. Reports include a 2022 Colorado Springs incident described as a potato-like object, and a 2023 series of sightings by federal agents.
A Jackson County Circuit Court ruling largely sides with abortion rights advocates, finding many state abortion restrictions conflict with Missouri’s 2024 constitutional amendment that guarantees reproductive freedom. The decision allows Planned Parenthood to resume certain services and sets up further appeals and ballot debates.
Pope Leo XIV has underscored that war is never blessed by God, with the Vatican hosting a two‑day cardinal meeting to discuss the international scene, AI encyclicals, and listening to ordinary faithful. The Society of St Pius X (SSPX) plans four bishop consecrations in Switzerland, a move the Vatican labels schismatic, triggering an excommunication risk. Meanwhile, the pope advances a wider migration and global‑citizenship narrative during a mid‑summer Italian tour.
Health workers are facing a worsening Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with Ituri accounting for the majority of cases. Attacks on clinics and burial teams have disrupted containment efforts, while Bundibugyo strain shows no approved treatment or vaccine. Hundreds have been infected and deaths exceed two hundred as authorities warn of a growing regional risk.
The Taong Putik festival, honoring St. John the Baptist, has grown in participation since the 1800s, with thousands of devotees smeared in mud and wrapped in banana leaves before dawn processions to the church.