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Religion
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Religion. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Pope Francis leads the traditional Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day blessing from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Square. He called for arms to be silenced in war-torn Ukraine and in the Middle East. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
War and conflict

Pope urges ‘all people of all nations’ to silence arms in Christmas address

He called for an end to conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, singling out Christian communities in the region.

China’s Communist Party

China’s ideology tsar signals to Dalai Lama at Buddhism reincarnation exhibit

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Pope Francis

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong cardinal urges empathy over revenge in Christmas message

City’s top Catholic priest Stephen Chow says renewed hope needed despite Hong Kong’s sluggish economy and rise in mental health cases.

Cardinal Stephen Chow has acknowledged the challenges facing Hong Kong and the world, including the sluggish economy and increasingly tense geopolitics. Photo: Handout
Australia

Australia’s South Asians hail anti-racism framework for including caste

The framework will help fight caste discrimination by enhancing legal protections in areas such as housing, education and culture.

Germany

Saudi suspect in German Christmas market attack held on multiple murder charges

Officials say Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a doctor, was angry about country’s permissive attitude to refugees from other mainly Muslim countries.

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Pope Francis

Pope Francis tells Vatican staff off for gossiping in annual Christmas message

Francis’ message this year revisited a theme he has often warned about: gossiping and speaking ill of people behind their backs.

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Pope Francis’ Christmas message this year revisited a theme he has often warned about: gossiping and speaking ill of people behind their backs. Photo: dpa
Fame and celebrity

Who is Mireddys González, Daddy Yankee’s soon-to-be ex-wife?

Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Daddy Yankee had called his high school sweetheart wife, with whom he shares 2 children, his ‘boss’ and ‘the right one’ – now he’s filed a legal injunction against her.

Snakes in popular culture and religion? It’s a love-hate relationship

The snake is the Biblical trickster in the Garden of Eden and the enemy of the Norse gods, but also the saviour of the world in Hinduism.

Malaysia

‘Satire is not a crime’: Malaysian artist’s probe fuels free speech fears

The controversial graphic artist is under scrutiny for a satirical poster on the former Sabah chief minister.

Malaysian graphic artist Fahmi Reza. Photo: Instagram
Oscar Pistorius

Who is Oscar Pistorius’ reported new love, family friend Rita Greyling?

Greyling is part of the Pistorius family’s inner circle and appears to have been quietly dating Pistorius for months – she also looks very similar to Pistorius’ ex, who he was convicted of shooting.

Oscar Pistorius’ rumoured girlfriend is Rita Greyline. Photos: TNS, Rita Greyling/LinkedIn
India

Priyanka Gandhi’s Palestinian bag sparks political firestorm in India

Her gesture has ignited a debate about India’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from the ruling BJP for allegedly appeasing Muslims.

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India

‘Inhumane’: inside India’s detention camps for Rohingya refugees

A new report details dehumanising treatment and dire living conditions faced by hundreds of Rohingya held in detention camps across India.

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Thailand

Naga, the mythical snake that protected Buddha yet poisoned a river

Often many-headed and called the King of Serpents, Naga is worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists, especially in Southeast Asia.

The seven-headed Naga Mucalinda (seen here in Thailand) is King of the Serpents in Buddhist mythology. The snake figure is also worshipped by Hindus. Photo: Shutterstock
France

Pope Francis, in Corsica, warns against religion that stokes divisions

Pope Francis’ trip to Corsica marks the first papal visit to the French island, the pontiff later met French President Macron.

Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, attend the pope’s departure ceremony at Ajaccio airport on the French island of Corsica on Sunday. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Middle East

Iran arrests singer for giving online concert without hijab

Parastoo Ahmadi, who was accompanied by four male musicians, wore a black sleeveless and collarless dress but no headscarf.

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India

India’s political landscape is shifting, with parties vying for women’s votes

Indian political parties are targeting women voters with financial aid and empowerment schemes, acknowledging their increasing electoral influence.

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Fame and celebrity

Who is Sophie Rain, the controversial OnlyFans star and ‘devout Christian’?

Sophie Rain decided to start an OnlyFans account after being fired from her job as a waitress; now, she’s supporting her family with the money she makes from her content.

Miami based Sophie Rain is reportedly making millions from her OnlyFans account. Photo: @sophieraiin/Instagram
Australia

Vandals spray ‘Kill Israiel’ graffiti in Australia’s largest Jewish community

The incident in Sydney’s suburb of Woollahra came after federal police established a task force to investigate increasing antisemitic crimes.

The Philippines

In Philippines, could an influential church shape the fate of VP Sara Duterte?

The Iglesia ni Cristo, known for its disciplined bloc voting, plans to protest against moves to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

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Fame and celebrity

Who is Noa Cohen, the controversial actress behind Netflix’s Mary?

The 22-year-old starring opposite Anthony Hopkins keeps fit with yoga and has worked with Israeli brands and fashion designers, including Ortal Mizrahi’s brand MadebyIla.

Who is Noa Cohen, the controversial actress behind Netflix’s Mary? Photo: @noacohen_official/Instagram
Environment

Pope Francis joins EV crusade with zero-emission electric Popemobile

Pope Francis, a champion of the environment, will go around in a custom-made electric white Mercedes-Benz Popemobile.

Pope Francis receives the new Mercedes-Benz electric Popemobile at the Vatican. Photo: EPA-EFE
Australia

‘Nice day for tennis’: Albanese slammed for slow response to synagogue attack

A politician has criticised Australian PM Anthony Albanese for not ‘showing solidarity with the Jewish community’ soon after the attack.

India

‘Worrying’: India-Bangladesh ties tested by mounting communal violence

Amid unrest surrounding the arrest of a Hindu priest, analysts fear violence and growing religious divides are ‘taking the region backwards’.

Nepal

Nepal’s ‘barbaric’ animal sacrifice ritual persists despite outcry

Activists estimate as many as 500,000 animals will be sacrificed at Nepal’s Gadhimai Temple this week to honour the Hindu goddess of power.

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A Hindu devotee prepares to slaughter buffalos as a offering during the 2019 Gadhimai Festival in Bariyarpur, Nepal. Photo: AFP
France

Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral welcomes back public for mass after five-year refit

Beloved Paris monument nearly burned down in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron attended the mass.

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Notre Dame Cathedral prepares to host its first Sunday Mass after about five years of renovation. Photo: EPA-EFE
Fashion

He dresses popes, priests, new cardinals and has seen their tastes change

In Rome, Raniero Mancinelli has sewn robes for popes and priests, including new cardinals, for 62 years. He’s seen clerical fashion evolve.

Myanmar

Will Myanmar’s junta chief face justice for crimes against Rohingya?

The International Criminal Court’s actions could serve to isolate Min Aung Hlaing, but analysts question whether he will be arrested.

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