Catholicism

Pope Francis spoke at the Vatican, giving his annual urbi et orbi ("to the city of Rome and to the world") address at the end of Easter Mass. This year, the Pontiff lamented people's suffering, conflicts taking place in the world and violence. He pleaded for the end of violence, especially in Iraq and Syria. He called for humanitarian aid to make its way to places where it is needed.

BELGRADE - Serbian Patriarch Irinej Friday sent happy Easter wishes to the leaders of all Christian churches who celebrate "the most joyous Christian holiday" on the Western Christian date for Easter Sunday.

The Versus Art Project, in collaboration with Kar?? Sanat Çal??malar?, is presenting an exhibition by one of the most dignified Turkish artists and a notable figure in the history of Turkish painting, Emel ?ahinkaya.

US President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, accepting an invitation extended during talks at the Vatican last year.
      
The White House said the president and the pope will continue a dialogue about poverty, the environment, immigration and promoting religious freedom.
      

Late Monday night, a young Polish priest was arrested when caught smoking hash accompanied with twounderage boys of the choir 16 years of age and 17 accordingly.

Church authorities were reluctant to comment on the event. “All we know so far is that the priest did not return to his parish. We are looking into the information for his arrest”.

Pope Francis has sent Catholic clergy a powerful reminder of their duty to stamp out sexual abuse of children by priests, warning that they must never let a fear of scandal lead to cover-ups.
      

Masses of cheering believers in the Philippines turned out to bid farewell to Pope Francis Jan. 19, a fitting end to a week in Asia that saw him draw record crowds and campaign relentlessly for the poor.
      

Pope Francis celebrated mass with millions of singing and cheering Catholics in the Philippine capital on Jan. 18, in one of the world's biggest outpourings of papal devotion.
      

A million worshippers packed the Colombo seafront to greet Pope Francis as he canonised Sri Lanka's first saint on Jan. 14, in the biggest public celebration the city has ever witnessed.
      

Mehmet Ali Ağca, the Turk who attempted to assassinate John Paul II, was ordered out of Italy on Dec. 29, two days after he paid a surprise visit to the late pope’s tomb.

The 56-year-old former right-wing extremist had been in custody since Dec. 27, when police realized he had entered the country without the appropriate visa.