Religion

American delegation calls Nigeria’s anti-Christian violence a ‘genocide’ as officials and analysts dispute label

October 28, 2025 Petra Hartmann Fact checked

A U.S. activist-led fact‑finding team that visited Abuja in mid-October said the targeting of Christians in parts of Nigeria amounts to “a calculated, long‑running genocide,” a characterization Nigerian officials and several independent analysts reject as a gross misrepresentation of a broader security crisis that kills both Christians and Muslims.

Al-Sisi reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to religious freedom in WCC meeting

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches on Tuesday, reaffirming Egypt's firm commitment to protecting freedom of worship and belief, and strengthening interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone for tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The meeting was attended by Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. It highlighted Egypt's diplomatic efforts in global conflicts.

Nineteen evangelical churches cluster in Carabanchel

In Madrid's Aguacate industrial area in Carabanchel, 19 evangelical churches cluster within just a few streets, making the district home to the capital's most non-Catholic temples. This concentration highlights the rise of evangelicalism driven by migration and religious freedom. Experts attribute the phenomenon to socioeconomic factors and the vibrancy of these communities.

Pope Leo XIV marks Nostra Aetate’s 60th anniversary, reiterates Church’s rejection of antisemitism

October 29, 2025 Petra Hartmann Fact checked

At a Vatican commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Pope Leo XIV underscored the declaration’s enduring call to interreligious dialogue and reaffirmed the Church’s rejection of antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

JD Vance visits Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Vice President JD Vance toured the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity's holiest sites, on October 23, 2025. Accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, he spent about 90 minutes inside, participating in confession and a private mass. The visit highlighted his Catholic faith amid a broader trip to Israel.

The unusual story of the '1,000 reasons to believe' festival backed by Estrosi

The '1,000 Reasons to Believe' festival, promoting Christian faith, is the subject of a curious story reported by Le Monde. Backed by Nice mayor Christian Estrosi, the event raises questions about its organization and funding. The article delves into the origins and controversies surrounding this initiative.

Hajj costs for 2026 lowered without reducing service quality

October 29, 2025 Raj Patel

Indonesia's House Commission VIII and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have set the hajj service cost for 2026 at Rp87.4 million per pilgrim, down about Rp2 million from the previous year. This reduction does not compromise service quality for pilgrims. Pilgrims pay Rp54.2 million directly, with the rest covered by hajj fund management.