Catholic

Ukrainian Christmas tradition depiction of Jews draws criticism after New Jersey pageant

The Christmas pageant, performed on Sunday in New Jersey, also included a Hasidic Jewish caricature, carrying a sack of coins and dancing with the devil.

Participants of nativity scene, Vertep in Ukraine, adjust their costumes before performing in the subway in Kyiv on December 24, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds up a portrait of him in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026.

Maduro has claimed Jewish ancestry, here is what is known - explainer

 People attend the rally "Against terror and antisemitism! Solidarity with Israel" organised by Germany's Central Council of Jews, political parties, unions and civil society, at Brandenburg Gate, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Berlin, Germany.

From burden to bridge: How Jewish music is reopening Germany’s cultural soul

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV challenges Illinois governor over end-of-life legislation


Jerusalem highlights January 19 – 25

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

 MAREK HLASKO: Israel in the 1950s, through his eyes.

Priest on CNN says Christmas is story of 'Palestinian Jew' living in 'occupied' country

"The story of Christmas is about a Palestinian Jew. How often do you find those words put together? A Palestinian Jew born into a time when his country was occupied, right?" Father Edward Beck said.

 CNN guest Father Edward Beck compares the Roman occupation of Judea to Israel. December 25, 2023.

Interior min. meets cardinal who offered himself for hostage children

The meeting was held at the initiative of the Religious Denominations Department in the Interior Ministry and saw Arbel explain to Pizzaballa Israel's standing in the war against Hamas.

 Interior Minister Moshe Arbel is seen meeting with Jerusalem's Latin patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

After 47 years and 900 wins, this Jewish basketball coach is a legend at his Catholic college

The all-time winningest Jewish college basketball coach at any level for both men and women with 898 wins.

 A basketball passing through a hoop.

In a first, a Jewish organization opens an office at the Vatican

WJC said its “Kishreinu” initiative was a response to Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 document that modernized the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism and other religions.

 World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder gives Pope Francis a a “Kishreinu” (Hebrew for “Our Bond”) document marking influence of the Catholic Church's Nostra Aetate declaration on Catholic-Jewish relations, Oct. 19, 2023.

Jerusalem Catholic Patriarch offers to be exchanged for Gaza hostages

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa made his comment in response to a question during a video conference with journalists in Italy.

 Mgr Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

The first resident cardinal in Jerusalem's history

The historic elevation of Latin Patriarch Mgr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa at the Vatican may bring more of a papal focus on the holy city

 POPE FRANCIS blesses new Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa during a consistory ceremony to elevate Roman Catholic prelates to the rank of cardinal, in Saint Peter’s square at the Vatican last week.

Mexican church roof collapses during Sunday mass killing 9, about 30 others missing

Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshipers were receiving communion.

 Members of security forces, people and a priest work at a site where a church roof collapsed during Sunday mass in Ciudad Madero, in Tamaulipas state, Mexico in this handout picture distributed to Reuters on October 1, 2023

Curiosity about religion is viewed as morally virtuous, new research finds

Atheists were also found to regard this curiosity as moral, although less moral than a lack of religious curiosity.

 More morning-oriented individuals may benefit from higher psychological wellbeing thanks to both personality characteristics and attitudes toward religion.

Vatican Jerusalem Cardinal appointment signals diplomatic and religious intentions

The appointment of Archbishop Pizzaballa as a cardinal underlines the Vatican's desire to play a more active role in the ongoing diplomatic discussions concerning Jerusalem.

Cardinal-elect Pierbattista Pizzaballa at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem during Easter week, 2023.