World

After a pope dies, the Catholic Church chooses its next leader through an ancient electoral process called the “papal conclave.” In practice, since at least 1276, the conclave gathers the church’s top bishops – called the College of Cardinals – from around the globe. Though there are more than 240 …

JOHANNESBURG: The next Pope could, and some analysts say should, come from Africa. Christianity is booming here. More people are becoming Catholics on the continent than anywhere else in the world, and millions of Africans proudly stay true to their faith despite persecution and death. “As in previous years, increases …

Jorge Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis, is seen here with his family. From left to right, standing, brothers Alberto Horacio, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Oscar Adrian and sister Marta Regina, sitting, sister Maria Elena, mother Regina and father Mario Jose Francisco. read more

Pope Francis died Monday morning at the age of 88, according to Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Farrell announced. …

It’s going to be a wretched and fearful Easter for Christians in Nigeria.  The killing and persecution of Christians by Islamist militants intent on creating a muslim caliphate in this West African country is continuing apparently unchecked despite the population being 46% Christian. “Nigeria’s Christians are being wiped out; we …

Anti-Israel protests in Canada File showing anti-Israel demonstrators during a protest in Toronto in August 2024. (Video: Reuters via Anadolu Agency.) Antisemitism in Canada has exploded in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, reaching record numbers last year and becoming a central issue for the country’s Jewish community ahead …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Saturday that Russia would observe a temporary ceasefire during the Easter holiday.  After the announcement, Zelenskyy posted on X that air raid alerts were ringing out across Ukraine, adding that Russian attack drones were detected in the skies.  …

At least 148 people were found dead in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a motorized wooden boat caught fire and capsized, media reports citing local officials said on Friday. The boat was carrying as many as 500 passengers, including women and children, when it overturned in the Congo River …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in his country’s war with Ukraine, the Kremlin said Saturday. The war has raged for more than three years and cost the lives of tens of thousands of people on both sides.  “Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to …

American pastor Josh Sullivan released a statement after he was rescued from captivity following a deadly shootout in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. “I want to begin by thanking God for delivering me from what was undoubtedly the worst experience of our life,” Sullivan wrote in a press release. He …