As first Easter of Leo’s papacy approaches, his priorities come into sharper focus

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Almost one year after Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter, Pope Leo XIV is approaching his first celebration of the feast as pontiff — a moment that offers a more defining glimpse into a papacy focused on unity, peace and...

For the first time, Black women bishops in the UMC share Good Friday pulpit

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

(RNS) — The tradition of “Seven Last Words” services hosted by Black churches will mark a new milestone on Good Friday (April 3) when all seven of the active African American women bishops of the United Methodist Church are expected to preach at a Maryland church....

Want to renew healthy eating habits? Greek monks have a spring playbook

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

TRIKORFO, Greece (AP) — Can a centuries-old ritual of spiritual renewal rekindle a New Year’s resolution to build healthy eating habits before it fades in the spring? For six weeks every year, millions of Orthodox Christians around the world adopt a largely vegan...

Trump addresses nation on Iran war in first prime-time speech since launching strikes 4 weeks ago

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, offering an update on the war in Iran during his first prime-time speech since launching strikes alongside Israel more than a month ago. With the speech, Trump was getting a wide audience...

Beirut is bursting as over 1 million people flee Israeli strikes and evacuation orders

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

BEIRUT (AP) — Beirut is bursting. It’s been a month since Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the U.S.-Israeli attack on its patron, Iran, triggering Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 1 million people from southern and...

Chile’s new President José Antonio Kast brings openly religious views to a changing country

by News Feed Editor | Apr 2, 2026 | Religion

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile’s new president, José Antonio Kast, has joined a growing list of right-leaning Latin American leaders. Not only is he conservative — he’s openly religious as well. Kast — who took office March 11 — is a practicing Catholic and part of the...