Religion

In this section, we explore the world's religious landscape, offering insightful analysis and in-depth reporting on not only the Catholic Church, the Papacy, and Christian traditions, but also other religions. Reflecting on La Croix International's commitment to open, dialogue, we reflect on how religious beliefs and practices intersect with global challenges and the ever-evolving world we live in.

Whether you're looking to understand the latest pronouncements from Pope Francis, or analyse the evolving role of religion in society, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of faith and religion in a rapidly changing world.

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Pope Francis receives Mundiya Kepanga, a Papuan activist advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples and leader from Papua New Guinea, at the Vatican May 8, 2024. (Photo by IPA Agency/Maxppp)

Papua New Guinea awaits Pope Francis amid struggles

Catholics in Papua New Guinea eagerly anticipate the pope’s visit as a moment of encouragement and grace, symbolizing hope and solidarity while grappling with natural disasters and social and economic instability.

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Vladimir Putin and Moscow Patriarch Kirill during the jubilee celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh, 18 July 2014. (Photo by Press Service of the President of Russia / Kremlin.ru / CC BY 4.0 DEED)

Putin's Orthodox crusade in Africa

As its influence wanes in the former Soviet bloc and with the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the Moscow Patriarchate has been redeploying its influence across Africa. This ambitious strategy is part of a broader geopolitical offensive by the Kremlin.

Yesterday at 10:07 am (Europe\Rome)

United Methodist Church of Ivory Coast. Jubilee Temple of Cocody in Abidjan. (Photo by Zenman/ Wikimedia Commons /https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

Ivorian Methodists break from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ decisions

The United Methodist Church of Ivory Coast (EMUCI) has withdrawn from the United Methodist Church over its ordination of ordination ofhomosexual pastorsand the celebration of same-sex marriages.

Yesterday at 05:00 am (Europe\Rome)

A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Francis during a meeting with Parish Priests in Vatican City, 2 May 2024. (Photo by EPA/MAXPPP)

Gays in seminaries: Pope Francis’ shocking remarks

During a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops on May 20, Pope Francis reportedly used vulgar language to refer to the presence of homosexual men in seminaries.

May 28th, 2024 at 11:42 am (Europe\Rome)

(Illustration photo) “Promote a friendship that sustains peace and fraternity and builds a more inclusive world,” Pope Francis told visiting Buddhist monks from Thailand. (Photo from pixabay.com)

Pope Francis urges Thai Buddhist monks to promote peace, fraternity

Welcoming the Thai Buddhist monks, Francis emphasizes the importance of compassion and cooperation among religions to heal humanity and the Earth, highlighting education, prayer, and mutual respect as essential elements.

May 28th, 2024 at 05:00 am (Europe\Rome)

Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City (Photo by Carlos Martínez Blando / CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED)

Catholic Church in Mexico struggles to curb cartel violence

As federal elections approach, violence has intensified in southern Mexico, where bishops are forced to negotiate truces between cartels. Amid a seemingly endless clan war, a bishop disappeared in late April, only to reappear two days later.

May 27th, 2024 at 11:12 am (Europe\Rome)

Pope Francis, meeting participants in the conference on “Trinitarian International Solidarity,” at the Vatican, 25 April 2022. (Photo by ANSA / VATICAN MEDIA / ZUMA Press / MaxPPP)

Trinity Sunday : from medieval ransoms to modern liberation, the mission of the Trinitarians

Founded in the 12th century to ransom Christians imprisoned by Muslims, the Trinitarians, also known as the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, shifted their focus in the 20th century to liberating people from more modern forms of captivity.

May 25th, 2024 at 12:07 am (Europe\Rome)

Father Pierre Fresson, on May 13, 2024, in his office in Paris. (Photo by LIVIA SAAVEDRA for LA CROIX)

International Military Pilgrimage: "Peace is won first in the hearts"

More than16,000 pilgrims from some 40 countries are attending the International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes (France) from May 24 to 26. Father Pierre Fresson, Vicar General of the Military Ordinariate of France, shares insights into the mission of military chaplains.

May 24th, 2024 at 10:55 am (Europe\Rome)

Interior of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew in Inverness, Scotland. (Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0 - Wikimedia Commons)

For the first time in Scotland, “no religion” is the majority

According to a recent census study, more than half of Scotland's population (51.1%) identifies as having “no religion,” a significant increase over the past 20 years.

May 24th, 2024 at 10:00 am (Europe\Rome)

Bishop Athanase Kayembe Badibanga, new bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso (Photo by Juste Hlannon/LCI)

Benin: Youth ministry, opening schools, hospitals are top priorities for new Greek Orthodox bishop

Athanase Kayembe Badibanga, the 40-year-old bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso and ordained in March, lays out his pastoral plan.

May 23rd, 2024 at 05:00 am (Europe\Rome)

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Vatican News

Here, we bring you the latest pronouncements emanating from the heart of the Catholic Church, along with expert analysis to understand their deeper meaning and potential impact on the Church's direction. Our team goes beyond the headlines, delving into the inner workings of the Vatican and offering insights into the global influence of the Papacy.

We bring you the latest on the Synod, Pope Francis’ latest speeches and statements and will keep you informed about the Pope's health and international travels offering insights into the global impact of the papacy.

Whether you're a devout Catholic seeking a closer connection to the Holy Father's message, or simply curious about the role of the papacy in today's world, “Vatican News” serves as your window into the heart of the Catholic faith.

Dive deeper and explore our latest Vatican News articles.

Religious Leaders

Here, we explore the pronouncements of religious leaders – cardinals, bishops, and priests – who address critical social issues shaping their local communities including war, poverty, environmental degradation, and social justice concerns.

We'll also analyse ongoing investigations within the Church, particularly those surrounding sensitive topics like paedophilia, sexual abuse, and the death penalty.

Through in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis, we aim to provide a space for open dialogue and reflection on the role of religious leaders and the challenges the navigate in this rapidly changing world.

Interested in hearing what faith leaders are saying about today's most pressing issues? Discover our exclusive reports.

Religious Events

Here, we explore the unique ways Catholics around the world express and celebrate their faith. Delve into events and celebrations such as the Year of Prayer in Cambodia or Korea’s “Church Everyday” initiative and witness the intersection of faith with major events like the Olympics. Through La Croix International's lens, we analyse the deeper meaning of these events and how these events connect communities around the world.

Want to learn more about how the Catholic faith is practiced by different cultures? Dive into our Religious Events and discover the vibrant tapestry of Catholic traditions around the globe