Catholic church

Minneapolis Institute of Art curator Tom Rassieur stands in a gallery showcasing objects honoring the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses against the Catholic Church.

How Technology Helped Martin Luther Change Christianity

3:26pm November 20, 2016

by Tom Gjelten

As the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses approaches, an exhibit shows how Luther's treatise against the Catholic Church spread, before the advent of modern communications.

The Pope Commemorates The Reformation That Split Western Christianity

2:31pm October 28, 2016

by Sylvia Poggioli

Martin Luther created one of Christianity's greatest rifts when he denounced the Catholic Church in 1517. But Pope Francis is taking part in the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

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The columbarium where cremated remains are kept at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Vatican: Don't Scatter Cremation Ashes, And Don't Keep Them At Home

4:03pm October 25, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

New guidelines from the Roman Catholic Church note that the practice of cremation is increasing and recommend that ashes be buried in "cemeteries and other sacred places."

Tim Kaine's Pastor Describes The Veep Pick's Life As A Devout Catholic

9:41pm July 22, 2016

Tim Kaine has worn many hats in Virginia politics: Richmond mayor, governor, senator. He's also a recognizable face at a majority-black Catholic church in Richmond — and has been for 30 years.

Pope Francis talks to journalists on his flight back to Rome on Sunday, following a visit to Armenia.

Religion

Pope Francis: Church Should Apologize To Gays And Other Marginalized Groups

7:55pm June 26, 2016

by Colin Dwyer

Aboard a flight from Armenia, the pontiff said the Church owes an apology not only to gay people, but also to other marginalized groups. "We Christians must say we are sorry," he said.

Posters touting the Women Priests Project along a wall.

Seizing On Pope's Remarks, Women Meet In Rome To Discuss Female Priesthood

8:30am June 04, 2016

by Sylvia Poggioli

Pope Francis broke a Catholic Church taboo last month when he said he would create a commission to study whether women can serve as deacons — as they did in early Christianity.

President Enrique Peña Nieto said he wants to legalize same-sex marriage in Mexico.

World News

Mexico's President Calls For Enshrining Same-Sex Marriage In The Constitution

8:06pm May 18, 2016

The move has drawn criticism from Mexico's Catholic Church. But the church's opposition may not be much of an obstacle for Enrique Peña Nieto as he seeks the votes needed to amend the constitution.

Pope Francis Says He's Open To Studying Whether Women Can Be Deacons

5:01pm May 12, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The pontiff says he is willing to create a commission on the issue. It could signal a turning point for the Roman Catholic Church, which does not allow women to serve in ordained ministry.

World News

Italy Becomes Last Western European Nation To Legalize Same-Sex Civil Unions

3:42pm May 12, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The country's Parliament passed the bill despite opposition from the Catholic Church and conservative politicians. Rights advocates hailed the vote, but many hoped the legislation would go further.

Pope Francis at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday. On Friday he released a post-synodal apostolic exhortation called

Religion

On Divorce And Remarriage, Pope Calls For More Grace, Less Dogma

12:38pm April 08, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

On Friday, Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church should work with couples to determine the best choices for them. He spoke of prioritizing individual conscience on contraception, too.