Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex unions, requests shouldn't be matter of moral analysis

The Vatican issued a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis" to receive it.

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.

Satanic Temple display destroyed at Iowa capitol; former Navy fighter pilot charged

Michael Cassidy, a former Mississippi statehouse candidate, is charged with criminal mischief for reportedly destroying the Satanic Temple display in Iowa's capitol building.

Virginia senator tells Pope Francis to slow his roll on AI regulation

The United States is not ready to join a binding treaty proposed by Pope Francis to regulate artificial intelligence on a global scale, a top Senate Democrat says. 

Harvard president to remain in position following backlash on antisemitism testimony

Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism.

Biden to host Hanukkah ceremony at White House amid fears of rising antisemitism

Antisemitism has only intensified since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and other militants sparked Israel's ongoing war in Gaza -- which faces heightened criticism for the mounting Palestinian death toll.

LDS Church selects British man for top governing body

The faith known widely as the Mormon Church has selected a new member for its top governing body.

Phoenix Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah
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The Phoenix Jewish community shared how rising anti Semitism isn't stopping them from celebrating this holiday season.

Group of swing state Muslims vows to ditch Biden in 2024 over his war stance

Leaders from Michigan, Minnesota, Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania gathered behind a lectern that read “Abandon Biden, ceasefire now" in Dearborn, Michigan, the city with the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States.

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.

Native American tribes fight US over a proposed $10B renewable energy transmission line

Work on a $10 billion project that will funnel renewable energy across the West was halted in southwestern Arizona, with Native American tribes saying the federal government has ignored concerns about effects that the SunZia transmission line will have on religious and cultural sites.

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.

Nightly Roundup: Maine mass shooting update; new saga over missing AZ teen

From the latest on the Maine mass shooting to concerns over a missing teenager with ties to Arizona, here's a look at some of our top stories.