World

Pope Francis news: Pakistan allows blasphemy convict Asia Bibi to keep rosary from pontiff
Asia Bibi, a Christian who has been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan, was reportedly jubilant after jail authorities had allowed her to keep a rosary sent to her by Pope Francis.
Vatican communications chief caught in 'Lettergate' scandal 'is sacked by Pope Francis'
The Vatican today said that Monsignor Dario Vigano, the Italian head of the Vatican communications department who was caught up in the so-called 'Lettergate' scandal, has resigned.

Assisted dying: Guernsey could become first place in British Isles to allow euthanasia
Guernsey could become the first place in the British Isles to allow assisted dying under proposals expected to be voted on in May in its parliament.
Pope Francis confirms he will visit Ireland in August
After much anticipation, Pope Francis has confirmed that he will be visiting Ireland later this year, from August 25-26.

Nigerian Archbishop slams political 'incompetence, greed and insecurity' in letter to president
A Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop in Nigeria has hit out at government corruption in the country in a letter to the nation's president. He described 'negligence, incompetence, greed and insecurity' amongst political elites whilst Nigerians die of hunger and suffer terrorist violence.

Work begins to clear mines from site of Jesus' baptism at Jordan River
An ancient site revered as the location where Jesus was baptised is set be reopened to the public as a massive de-mining programme has begun.

Almost three-quarters of young British adults have no religion, says survey showing huge number of 'nones' in Europe
Almost three quarters of the UK's young adults have no religious affiliation, while only 21 per cent identify as Christians and 7 per cent as Anglicans, according to a major new survey showing an alarmingly high proportion of 'nones' across Europe.

Baby dies after being beaten by mother with whip and Bible during exorcism
A 7-month-old baby allegedly died after being beaten with a whip and a Bible for two days by her own mother in an exorcism attempt, a South African court has heard.

Head of Russian Orthodox Church lavishes praise on Putin after 'open and honest' election
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has lavished praise on Vladimir Putin after his most recent landslide victory in the Russian presidential elections this week.
Pope Francis: Anyone who uses prostitutes has 'sick mentality' and is 'torturing women'
Pope Francis has appealed for forgiveness for all Christians who buy sex from women, describing it as torture.

Pilgrims flock to Bavarian village to see Virgin Mary apparition despite skepticism of Catholic Church
About 300 people gathered at a chapel in the southern German village of Unterflossing on Saturday to see an apparition of the Virgin Mary even though the Catholic Church had treated the event with skepticism.

MSNBC host apologizes for ridiculing Donald Trump appointee's Christian faith
MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle has issued a public apology for ridiculing the faith of Larry Kudlow, who was recently appointed to be President Donald Trump's top economic aide.

Kazakh woman found not guilty after being charged over downloading Bible on her phone
A court in Kazakhstan has acquitted a woman charged with illegal missionary activity after she showed another person how to download the Bible on a smartphone, Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty reported.

Polish archbishop rebukes priest who wished Pope Francis a 'quick' death
A Catholic Polish archbishop has criticised a conservative priest who wished Pope Francis a 'quick' death if he did not open his heart to 'wisdom' on issues such as migrants and refugees.

Iceland's conversion to Christianity was thanks to volcanic eruption
Iceland's conversion to Christianity was thanks, in part, to a volcanic eruption, according to researchers from the University of Cambridge.

Richard Dawkins plans to give away 'The God Delusion' free to Muslims
Richard Dawkins is planning to make a number of his books available free of charge to the Islamic world after it emerged that an Arabic translation of The God Delusion was downloaded illegally millions of times, The Times reported.