Pope Francis celebrates birthday amid church reforms, health concerns

Pope Francis turned 87 on Sunday, closing out a year that saw big milestones in his efforts to reform the Catholic Church as well as health scares that raise questions about his future as pope.

Pope Francis undergoes hospital checkup after coming down with the flu

Pope Francis went to the hospital Saturday for tests after he came down with the flu, but the results ruled out any respiratory problems, the Vatican said.

M. Russell Ballard, prominent Mormon leader, dies at 95

One of the highest ranking leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, M. Russell Ballard, has died. He was 95.

Diwali record set as millions of Indians celebrate amid air pollution worries

A “hazardous” 400-500 air quality level was recorded last week, but unexpected rain and wind improved the air on Diwali. But levels are expected to soar again after the celebrations.

Tennessee pastor dies during Ironman triathlon

Tragedy struck during the Ironman 70.3 Memphis triathlon as a pastor lost his life while participating in the event.

Thomas Rhett stops Nashville concert to pray for fan in medical emergency

While performing his concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, this weekend, country singer Thomas Rhett was alerted to a situation in the crowd.

Pope Francis suggests blessings for same-sex couples

Pope Francis has suggested there might be ways to bless same-sex unions. The Vatican on Monday published a letter Francis wrote to five cardinals on July 11 after receiving a list of five questions, or “dubia,” from them a day earlier.

Chipotle faces federal lawsuit over allegations of religious harassment and retaliation

A federal agency has sued the restaurant chain Chipotle, accusing it of religious harassment and retaliation after a manager at a Kansas location forcibly removed an employee's hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

Coach Joe Kennedy teases his next act after his Supreme Court victory and return to football

There may be bigger things in store for Coach Joe Kennedy, assistant football coach in Bremerton, Washington, after his triumphant return to the high school football field following his Supreme Court victory in 2022 and his reinstatement to his coaching position earlier this year. 

7 in 10 US adults believe in angels, AP poll finds

More than astrology, reincarnation, and the belief that physical things can have spiritual energies.

Supreme Court backs designer who objects to making gay couples’ wedding websites

In a defeat for gay rights, the court ruled 6-3 for designer Lorie Smith despite a Colorado law that bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics.

Supreme Court makes big decisions with more to come: Here's what to know

The Supreme Court is expected to announce major decisions Friday on Biden's student loan forgiveness program and a case that impacts gay rights.

Praise be to AI: Hundreds attend church service generated by ChatGPT

Hundreds of German Protestants attended a church service in Bavaria that was generated almost entirely by artificial intelligence.

Gunman in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that killed 11 found guilty on all charges

Robert Bowers was convicted on Friday in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Jurors must now decide whether he should be sent to death row or sentenced to life in prison without parole.