Pope Francis’ ‘Peace Offensive’ in Ukraine Puts Dialogue Over Demonization
Keeping channels for dialogue open with the Kremlin, Pope Francis has bucked the Western world's refusal to take a mediated approach to ending the Ukraine war.
A Feud Between a Patriarch and a Militia Leader Adds to the Woes of Iraqi Christians
The shrinking religious minority that was also violently targeted by al-Qaida before the rise of IS has been rocked by yet another crisis in the form of a political showdown between two influential Christian figures.
Denmark Seeks To Legally Prevent Burnings of Quran or Other Religious Scriptures
The government repeated its condemnation of such desecrations, saying they are “deeply offensive and reckless acts committed by few individuals” and "do not represent the values the Danish society is built on.”
Ukraine Moves Official Christmas Day Holiday to Dec. 25, Denouncing Russian-Imposed Traditions
The explanatory note attached to the law said its goal is to “abandon the Russian heritage,” including that of “imposing the celebration of Christmas” on Jan. 7.
Morocco’s Benzina Becomes the First Senior-Level Women’s World Cup Player to Compete in Hijab
A FIFA ban on playing in religious head coverings for “health and safety reasons” was overturned in 2014 after advocacy from activists, athletes, and government and soccer officials.
For Clergy Abuse Survivors, Sinead O’Connor’s Protest That Offended So Many Was Brave and Prophetic
O’Connor, 56, passed away Wednesday at her home in southeast London.
Flooded with Sightseers, Europe’s Iconic Churches Struggle to Accommodate Both Worship & Tourism
With tourism reaching or surpassing pre-pandemic records in Barcelona and across southern Europe, iconic sacred sites are struggling to accommodate the faithful who come to pray and the millions of visitors who often pay to view the art and architecture.
Troubling the Water in Switzerland
This issue of A Public Witness takes you inside the modern debate about public baptisms in Switzerland to consider what this can teach us about balancing church and state.
Biden To Meet With Pope’s Ukraine Peace Envoy, With the Plight of Children Top of Cardinal’s Agenda
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden would meet with Zuppi on Tuesday to “discuss the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine."
After Quran Burnings, UN Rights Body Calls for More Action to Combat Religious Hatred
After the vote, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi of Pakistan insisted the measure “does not seek to curtail the right to free speech,” but tries to strike a “prudent balance” between it and “special duties and responsibilities.”