July 17 marks the 50th anniversary of the coup d’etat in Iraq that brought the Baathist party to power.

The medical profession’s hegemony over questions of illness and dying is not complete; faith communities are still needed for discernment and guidance.

In an unremarkable-looking conference room at a hotel in downtown Portland -- a city known for its dearth of traditional religious practice -- a gathering of Catholics from five states did something remarkable.

The German bishops' conference said when the bishops meet in September, they will continue to examine the issue of Communion for Protestant spouses of Catholics.

Pope Francis used strong words that can be read both as an admonition and guidance for the entire college of cardinals.

Pope Francis named two apostolic administrators to govern the now “vacant” dioceses.