Morning news brief
A House vote strips Kevin McCarthy of his speakership. Catholic leaders meet at the Vatican to discuss the future of the church. China's autumn festival gives clues about the country's economy.
Religion
Vatican gathering tackles topics from women in ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics
Roman Catholic leaders from around the world are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church, including whether to allow women to become deacons.
Among the topics of tomorrow's Vatican meeting: The possibility of women deacons
Roman Catholic leaders are gathering at the Vatican for a synod, or meeting, to address issues facing the church. Among the topics will be whether to allow women to become deacons in the church.
The pope says there could be ways for the Catholic Church to bless same-sex unions
Pope Francis suggests the Catholic church might accept same-sex partnerships as officials assemble in Rome for a synod. NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Kate McElwee of the Women's Ordination Conference.
Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions may be possible
In a letter to conservative cardinals, the pope suggested that such blessings for same-sex unions could be studied if they didn't confuse the blessing with sacramental marriage.
This comedian says words often fail during tragedy. And that's OK
Rob Delaney found out his youngest son Henry had brain cancer. This is a story about the saddest of places life can take you, but it's also about the biggest of loves and how to scrape up bits of joy.
Anger grows over Ukraine's largest Orthodox church, still aligned with Moscow despite war
Millions of Ukrainians still worship in Orthodox churches deeply influenced by Russian clergy who support Moscow's invasion, sparking a clash of faith and national loyalty.
Baltimore Archdiocese files for bankruptcy before law on abuse lawsuits takes effect
Attorneys and advocates say the church is trying to protect its assets and silence abuse victims by halting all civil claims against the archdiocese and shifting the process to bankruptcy court.
Organization putting on this weekend's World Cultural Festival has Boone ties
An international cultural festival in Washington this weekend could bring half a million people to the heart of the nation’s capital, and a retreat center in Boone has been helping to make it happen.
Enlighten Me: Yeganeh Rezaian
Journalist Yeganeh Rezaian speaks about her time being imprisoned in Iran with her husband, Jason Rezaian in 2014 and how that experienced has shaped the rest of her life.