Diwali record set as millions of Indians celebrate amid air pollution worries

A “hazardous” 400-500 air quality level was recorded last week, but unexpected rain and wind improved the air on Diwali. But levels are expected to soar again after the celebrations.

Texas bishop, conservative critic removed by Pope Francis

Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.

Pope Francis suggests blessings for same-sex couples

Pope Francis has suggested there might be ways to bless same-sex unions. The Vatican on Monday published a letter Francis wrote to five cardinals on July 11 after receiving a list of five questions, or “dubia,” from them a day earlier.

Chipotle faces federal lawsuit over allegations of religious harassment and retaliation

A federal agency has sued the restaurant chain Chipotle, accusing it of religious harassment and retaliation after a manager at a Kansas location forcibly removed an employee's hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

2 burglars break into Parker County church

Investigators in Willow Park, 20 miles west of Fort Worth, say a man and a woman stole items from Saint Francis Anglican Church last Friday.

Fire damages historic Dallas church in East Oak Cliff

Crews were called to the Saintsville Church of God in Christ during the hottest time of the day Tuesday. Nobody was injured, but a church that's been a bedrock of the community was gutted.

Supreme Court backs designer who objects to making gay couples’ wedding websites

In a defeat for gay rights, the court ruled 6-3 for designer Lorie Smith despite a Colorado law that bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics.

Supreme Court makes big decisions with more to come: Here's what to know

The Supreme Court is expected to announce major decisions Friday on Biden's student loan forgiveness program and a case that impacts gay rights.

Praise be to AI: Hundreds attend church service generated by ChatGPT

Hundreds of German Protestants attended a church service in Bavaria that was generated almost entirely by artificial intelligence.

Gunman in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that killed 11 found guilty on all charges

Robert Bowers was convicted on Friday in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Jurors must now decide whether he should be sent to death row or sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Pope Francis to skip Sunday public blessing as he recovers from major surgery

Pope Francis, “wisely" following doctors’ advice, will skip Sunday’s customary public blessing to allow himself to heal after abdominal surgery.

3 US states remove all time limits on child sex abuse lawsuits

Maryland, Maine and Vermont are the only three U.S. states to have eliminated the statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits. However, other states are poised to take action.

Dispute between Arlington nun, Catholic bishop prompts police investigation

Arlington police said they’re investigating a dispute between the Fort Worth Catholic Diocese and a nun who was accused of violating her sacred vows.

Pope Francis undergoes intestinal surgery, will remain at hospital for several days

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital Wednesday to repair a hernia in his intestine, the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.