Spiritual Practices
Obituary: Pope Francis 1936-2025
The Vatican said on Monday in a video statement that Pope Francis had died.
Tibetans begin to brace for future without Dalai Lama
Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader Dalai Lama turns 90 in July.
'Call a ceasefire' - Pope appeals for peace in Easter message
Pope Francis has greeted a crowd of tens of thousands, and renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza in his Easter message.
Church leader on what Easter means in 2025
While Easter weekend is a time of rest for some, it's the busiest weekend of the year for the churchgoers among us. Audio
'An astonishing figure' - A year's baptisms to be conducted in one day
St Patrick's Cathedral in central Auckland is expecting to conduct 350 baptisms on Easter Sunday, says religion expert.
2025 Easter Church Service from St Mary of the Angels, Wellington
We celebrate this central event in the Christian calendar with an Easter Sunday Eucharist Mass from St Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington. The celebrant is Fr Kevin Mowbray SM, William McElwee is… Audio
How two very different faiths will be celebrating this holiday weekend
The places where hot cross buns and Easter eggs are taking a back seat to deep-rooted traditions.
Faith, hope and chocolate eggs
The places where hot cross buns and Easter eggs are taking a back seat to deep-rooted traditions. Audio
Why one atheist thinks the government should keep tax exemptions for churches
Critics say that churches' exemption from paying income tax gives them an unfair competitive advantage. But one atheist says these tax laws are essential for a thriving society.
Pope to be discharged from hospital, but will need rest
Pope Francis has been battling pneumonia for more than five weeks.
An offering at Ramadan
Ramadan is being marked by Muslims around the world by with a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and time spent with community. Audio
Cricketing body deletes offside joke about Pope Francis
England's top cricketing body has apologised for a joke about the Pope that failed to hit the stumps.
Weak-sounding Pope releases message from hospital
It was the first time the world has heard Pope Francis's voice since the 88-year-old was admitted to hospital on Valentine's Day.
'Steadfast' Gazans begin second Ramadan amongst rubble
Gazan families sat among destroyed buildings as they broke their fast during the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Audio
Australia's A-League to have Ramadan breaks again this season
Australia's A-League competition will again allow a 90-second pause in play for Muslim players to break their fast during the month of Ramadan if evening matches are being played over sunset.
What will happen next if Pope Francis dies
Dr Nick Thompson of the University of Auckland's school of theological and religious studies joins Emile Donovan to share insight into the time-honoured traditions that are laid down for the… Audio
What's wrong with Pope Francis?
The pope is in critical condition. It's a reminder for older adults to take respiratory infections seriously - even if you're not as old as the pontiff.
Pope Francis's condition has worsened, Vatican says
Pope Francis "is more unwell than yesterday", the Vatican said in a statement.
'Fragile' Pope Francis not in 'immediate danger of death'
"Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is 'is he in danger of death?', the answer is 'no'," Dr Sergio Alfieri, who's in charge of the Pope's care, said.
'Suspicious' fires at a Masterton funeral home and multiple churches
A funeral home was set on fire at 10am on Saturday morning and four churches set a light overnight - two other churches were targeted.
