Lead story
Editor's note:
At 9:45 a.m. in Rome on Monday, AP Vatican correspondent Nicole Winfield was enjoying what she thought would be a day off, watching her son compete in a tennis tournament. Then she − and other members of the Vatican press corps − received an alert to tune in to an imminent announcement. The news broke swiftly around the world, with AP among the first to report it: Pope Francis had died.
By day’s end, the AP had run more than 20 articles related to the pope’s death − from swiftly produced reaction stories to intricate background pieces, by Winfield and others, that had been in preparation for months. Among the offerings: a glossary of terms used in a papal transition and mini-profiles of contenders to become the next pope. There was even a piece exploring Francis’ love of soccer, dating from when he was a not-so-deft player on a youth team in Argentina.
Religion News
Politics aside for one day, world leaders to gather at Vatican and mourn Pope Francis
President Trump’s presence at the Vatican funeral marks a rare moment of reverence amid a complex relationship with the late pope. By Claire Giangravé/Religion News Service
Anti-Defamation League says anger at Israel is now the driving force behind antisemitism in the US
The Anti-Defamation League says the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States reached a record high last year and notes that 58% of the 9,354 incidents related to Israel, notably chants, speeches and signs at rallies protesting Israeli policies. By David Crary/The Associated Press
Drawing on Latin American theology that emphasizes collaboration, developed in response to continued struggles with colonialism, Francis pushed for a Catholic Church with broader inclusion of people on the margins. By Aleja Hertzler-McCain/Religion News Service
Black churches back embattled Smithsonian African American history museum after Trump's order
Some Black churches are pledging to support the National Museum of African American History following an executive order by President Trump alleging exhibits there and at other Smithsonian Institution sites have expressed a “divisive, race-centered ideology.” By Peter Smith/The Associated Press
Is he Christ? Is he Moses? Superman's religious and ethical undertones add to his mystique
Superman was born Kryptonian, raised Methodist and sketched into existence by two Jewish teens in 1930s Cleveland. Faith and morality are his DNA. Over eight decades, he’s been viewed as a divine entity, a savior figure — esteemed for his sacrifice, willpower and compassion. By Deepa Bharath/The Associated Press and Bob Smietana/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
Holding a conclave to elect a pope is a tradition that goes back centuries. By Mathew Schmalz for The Conversation
Francis’ 12-year reign saw small steps advancing women in the church. We may not know for years what the aims of a new papacy will be. By Phyllis Zagano/Religion News Service
The pope’s embrace of literature and history is a sharp contrast to some of his predecessors, a medievalist explains. By Joëlle Rollo-Koster for The Conversation
Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. By Joanne M. Pierce for The Conversation
Pope Francis tours St. Peter's Square in his popemobile after bestowing the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and to the world) blessing at the end of the Easter Mass, which was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Did a friend or colleague forward this to you? Click here to subscribe.
- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
- The Associated Press Newsletter Hub
- Religion News Service newsletter sign-up page
- The Conversation U.S.'s daily and weekly newsletters
