Sight-Seeing: The politics of this Easter season
PHYLLIS ZAGANO, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says the Christian celebration of new life comes as the world is flooded with ideas of death…
The Explainer: What is Palm Sunday? Why is the donkey important to the story? And how is it celebrated worldwide?
As the world marked Palm Sunday on the weekend, LUIS ANDRES HENAO, of Associated Press, explains what the day is all about…
Pope Francis skips Palm Sunday homily at start of busy Holy Week that will test his health
Rome, Italy AP Pope Francis decided at the last minute to skip his homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, avoiding a strenuous speech at the start of a busy Holy Week that will test his increasingly frail health. Hobbled by bad knees and persistent respiratory problems, Francis also didn’t participate in the procession […]
Ahead of Easter rush, officials say drought must not put off Barcelona tourists
Barcelona, Spain Reuters Tourists arriving at Barcelona’s airport or gazing at its iconic Sagrada Familia basilica will this Easter holiday be met with large signs in English that read: “Drought alert. During your stay, save water”. As the impact of climate change intensifies across southern Europe, Spain’s Mediterranean region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, is […]
Essay: Tattooing has held a long tradition in Christianity – dating back to Jesus’ crucifixion
GUSTAVO MORELLO, a Catholic priest and sociologist of religion, looks at the history of tattooing in Christianity in an article first published on The Conversation…
Sight-Seeing: Fasting from carbon for Lent
US Catholic commentator THOMAS REESE, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says carbon fasting is an act of penance for what we in the rich world have done – and provides some tips on how to go about it…
In pictures: Rio, New Orleans, Cologne – Carnival joy peaks around the world as Lent approaches
AP Parades, music, dancing in the streets – joyous Carnival celebrations marking the final days of revelry before Lent are peaking in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and other locales in the Americas and Europe. A dancer from the Tom Maior samba school performs during a Carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early on Sunday, […]
Ten day vigil for climate change to kick off in London on Ash Wednesday
Norwich, UK A special 10 day Lenten vigil for climate change kicks off in London on Ash Wednesday. It has been organised by a coalition compromising Christian Aid, CAFOD, The Salvation Army, A Rocha UK, Christian Climate Action, Tearfund, Green Christian, Operation Noah and JPIT, a Baptist Union, Methodist Church and United Reformed church team […]
Too pretty? Easter poster depicting a handsome, fresh-faced Jesus prompts criticism in Spain
Madrid, Spain AP A poster in the southern Spanish city of Seville that depicts a young, handsome Jesus wearing only a loincloth has unleashed a storm on social media, with some calling it an affront to the figure of Christ and others posting lewd remarks and memes poking fun at the image. The poster by […]
Russia’s Putin attends midnight Orthodox Easter service in Moscow
Reuters President Vladimir Putin on Sunday attended an Easter service conducted by the Russian Orthodox Church, which has strongly backed the Kremlin leader’s decision to invade Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia, on 16th April, 2023. PICTURE: Sputnik/Sergei Karpukhin/Pool via Reuters […]