Between Cross and Power: Persecution, Propaganda, and the Cost of Faith in Russian-Controlled Territories

Apr 21, 2026 08:48

A Christian blogger dies in a Russian prison after being convicted of offending Islam and denouncing Soviet crimes. Photo: Contando Estrelas

Holy Land•Religious Freedom

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

In Jerusalem, where demography and identity are tightly intertwined, such changes rarely remain confined to administrative policy. They tend, instead, to redraw the contours of presence itself

Apr 04, 2026 20:46

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Religious Freedom

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

The Police and Ecclesial Authorities have agreed that, due to the complex security situation, the remaining Holy Week and Easter ceremonies will be celebrated in a symbolic and limited manner.

Mar 30, 2026 17:50

ZENIT Staff

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

Under the agreement with China, Leo XIV appoints a new bishop

Chang Yanfeng, 42, was ordained bishop today under the Sino-Holy See agreement to a diocese that has been without its own pastor for 20 years. Just three weeks ago, the new prelate had to publicly commit the local Church to a controversial law designed to eliminate minorities.

Leo XIV encourages religious to view community life as a source of inspiration and sanctification

Message from Leo XIV to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Religious Orders in the United States

L	M	X	J	V	S	D
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6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

Between Cross and Power: Persecution, Propaganda, and the Cost of Faith in Russian-Controlled Territories

Thomas More Society Settlement Establishes Landmark Religious Liberty Protections for Coast Guard

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