Human Rights Watch: church ban for minors in China violates human rights

Apr 17, 2026 20:17

ZENIT Staff

Photo: AVAN / Javier Peiro

Pro Life•Religious Freedom

Brazilian student acquitted after facing years in prison for calling abortion murder

The court ultimately ruled in her favor, recognizing that her statements were protected expressions of religious belief and opinion rather than criminal incitement

Mar 30, 2026 15:46

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Persecuted Christians•Religious Freedom

Israeli police prevent a Mass from being celebrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and bar Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering

As a result, and for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Mar 29, 2026 19:23

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Holy Land•Local Church•Religious Freedom•Vatican Diplomacy

Holy Land: Cardinal Pizzaballa Says Palm Sunday Mass Ban in Jerusalem Was a Misunderstanding

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said: «There were no confrontations, and we don’t want to force things, but rather find a solution respecting the right to prayer. We will celebrate Easter discreetly.»

Mar 29, 2026 17:28

ZENIT Staff

Religious Freedom

Louisville to pay $800K after court rules for Christian photographer

A Louisville, Kentucky, law forces a local photographer and blogger to use her artistic talents to promote same-sex wedding ceremonies if she photographs and blogs about weddings between one man and one woman. The law also forbids her and her studio from publicly explaining to clients and potential clients through her studio’s own website or social media sites the religious reasons why she only celebrates wedding ceremonies between one man and one woman.

Mar 28, 2026 21:40

ZENIT Staff

Analysis Opinion•Local Church•Religious Freedom

This is what the 2026 Annual Report on Religious Freedom in Latin America states

The comprehensive assessment of how freedom of religion is threatened in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and by organized crime, omits the stigmatization of “cults” in democratic countries.

Mar 27, 2026 10:30

ZENIT Staff

Pope Leo XIV writes to clergy around the world about holiness on the Feast of the Sacred Heart: the Pope’s letter that every priest should read

Letter from the Pope to all priests of the Catholic Church on the occasion of the Day for the Sanctification of Priests

León XIV traveled to Rome on the Spanish king’s private plane after the official plane that was supposed to transport him broke down: here’s what happened

What was supposed to be a routine return flight from Tenerife to Rome on June 12 transformed into an unusual episode that forced the Pontiff to abandon his scheduled aircraft and accept the personal assistance of King Felipe VI of Spain.

Human Rights Watch: church ban for minors in China violates human rights

Between altar and state: Catholic clergy formation in China reflects the tightening framework of “Sinicized” religion

Nicaragua: A Holy Week with Many Restrictions, But More Faith from Local Catholics

Pulpits, politics and the limits of free speech: a US court ruling keeps a 70-year barrier in place while Washington prepares new guidance

USA: Apparel company, Christian bookstore appeal ruling that allows Colorado to continue silencing their views

New Israeli Policy Puts Christian Education—and Presence—in Jerusalem Under Strain

Problem Resolved: Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets and Reaches Agreement with Israeli Police for Remaining Holy Week Celebrations

Brazilian student acquitted after facing years in prison for calling abortion murder

Israeli police prevent a Mass from being celebrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and bar Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering

Holy Land: Cardinal Pizzaballa Says Palm Sunday Mass Ban in Jerusalem Was a Misunderstanding

Louisville to pay $800K after court rules for Christian photographer

This is what the 2026 Annual Report on Religious Freedom in Latin America states