World

Pope Francis adds 21 Coptic martyrs killed by ISIS to Catholic calendar

In an extraordinary move bridging a historical rift dating back to 451 AD, Pope Francis has added 21 Coptic Christians martyred by Islamic State terrorists on a Libyan beach in 2015 to the Roman Catholic Church's calendar, declaring them saints.

UK is one of the least religious countries in the world - study

The UK has some of the lowest levels of religiosity and belief in God in the world, according to a global study spanning dozens of countries.

Unusual ruling frees Christian couple from prison in Iran

Iranian authorities released two Christian leaders from prison last week after a judge broke with common judicial practice in the country and ruled that home church participation was not illegal, sources said.

Christian widow accused of blasphemy released on bail

A court in Pakistan on Saturday released on bail a Christian woman charged under a blasphemy statute that calls for life in prison, her attorney said.

Sudan's increased fighting empties Christian clerics from the capital Khartoum

The brewing civil war in the country has convinced Christians and their leaders to leave the capital en masse, with many fleeing across the border to South Sudan.

Zelensky meets Pope at Vatican

The Pope and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky met at the Vatican on Saturday.

How a South African orphan's faith in God gave him the strength to graduate from medical school

Sithembiso Madlala credits God with helping him to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor, despite so much pain and hardship in his life.

Christians decry 'gruesome' violence in India

Victims of violence in northeastern India are "deeply traumatised", says Open Doors partner.

Calls for swift action to end 'anti-Christian' violence in India

Christians have made an urgent appeal to the Indian government to quell violence in the north east of the country that has killed dozens of people, believed to be mostly Christians.

Christians among over 50 killed, 23,000 fleeing ethnic violence in northeast India

In Manipur, a state in northeastern India, violence has erupted claiming the lives of 58 individuals, many of whom were Christians, and resulting in the destruction or burning of at least 50 churches.

Fulani herdsmen kill 12 Christians in central Nigeria

Pastor's house among at least 86 homes burned down.

Iran, 27 other countries critiqued by watchdog for religious freedom violations

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom decried Iran's use of violence against protesters in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death.

Christian banned from Turkey appeals to European Court of Human Rights

A British woman has joined a growing list of Christians banned from entering Turkey and is now challenging her de facto ban before the European Court of Human Rights, countering the country's unlawful practice of banning foreign Christians and missionaries by designating them as security threats.