'Very memorable moment': PM Modi recalls his meeting with Pope Francis

Vatican Denounces Gender Theory and Surrogacy

Vatican Denounces, Gender Theory and Surrogacy. On April 8, the Vatican released a statement declaring that gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy are violations of human dignity that reject God's plan for human life. Associated Press reports that the Vatican's doctrine office released the 20-page declaration titled 'Infinite Dignity.' . The document, approved on March 25 by Pope Francis, includes a rejection of "gender theory," or the idea that a person's gender can be changed. It follows that any sex-change intervention, as a rule, risks threatening the unique dignity the person has received from the moment of conception, “Infinite Dignity” Vatican doctrine, via Associated Press. AP reports that the document has been criticized as outdated by LGBTQ+ Catholics who call its release harmful and contrary to recognizing the "infinite dignity" of all people. . While it lays out a wonderful rationale for why each human being, regardless of condition in life, must be respected, honored, and loved, it does not apply this principle to gender-diverse people, Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, via Associated Press. The Vatican document also denounces countries that criminalize homosexuality, echoing the pope's 2023 statement that "being homosexual is not a crime." . However, the document also lays out that surrogacy is also a violation of dignity of both the child and the surrogate mother. Previously, the Vatican has focused on the potential for the exploitation of poor women as surrogate mothers. . Considering this, the legitimate desire to have a child cannot be transformed into a ‘right to a child’ that fails to respect the dignity of that child as the recipient of the gift of life, “Infinite Dignity” Vatican doctrine, via Associated Press

Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during a blustery Easter Sunday Mass

Despite health concerns, the pontiff led the service in front of tens of thousands of people who had gathered in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

Gaza War: Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire as he leads Easter Mass | Oneindia

Pope Francis called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in his traditional Easter message delivered following renewed concerns over the health of the 87-year-old pontiff. In the message, delivered in front of tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Francis addressed the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, condemning war as an “absurdity.” #GazaCeasefire #PopeFrancis #PopeFrancisGazaCeasefire #EasterMass #IsraelHamas #RussiaUkraine #WarCrises #PeaceCall #InternationalAppeal #GlobalConflict #HolyWeek ~HT.97~PR.152~ED.103~

Holy Easter Saturday celebrated across Europe

Pope Francis presides over the Vatican's Easter Vigil, as Germany's Easter peace marches call for end of war in Ukraine and Gaza.

Pope Francis overcomes health concerns, presides over Easter Sunday Mass

Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!

Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!. Mariah Carey turns 55 years old today. Here are five fun facts about the singer. 1. She was named after the song, “They Call The Wind Maria.”. 2. The World Music Awards  honored her as the world's best-selling recording artist of the 1990s. 3. She won two Grammys following her debut album. 4. Carey is known for her five-note octave and whistle register. 5. Her holiday album, ‘Merry Christmas,’ is one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!

Pope's message read by aide as he recovers from illness

Pope Francis said on Saturday he has not yet fully recovered from a recent illness, and had a Vatican official read out his message to patients of the Vatican-owned Rome children's hospital Bambino Gesù.

How Religions Around the World View Solar Eclipses

How Religions , Around the World , View Solar Eclipses. With the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse quickly approaching, Fox News offered readers an overview of how religions traditionally view eclipses. Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism suggests that the karmic results of positive and negative actions are magnified during major astronomical events, including solar eclipses. Christianity, Christian tradition connects eclipses with a number of significant events, including the death of Jesus and the "end times.". Hinduism, In Hinduism, eclipses both solar and lunar are generally regarded as bad omens. Islam, Muslims see a solar eclipse as a time for prayer and contemplating God. The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone... Whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah), Kaiser Aslam, Muslim chaplain at the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, via Fox News. Judaism, Similarly to Hinduism, Judaism views eclipses as "an ill omen for the world.". Eclipses should be opportunities to increase in prayer and introspection — as opposed to prompting joyous blessings. It is a sign that we really could and should be doing better, Rabbi Menachem Posner, via Fox News. Fox News reports that Rabbi Mordechai Becher cited Judaism's longstanding connections with astronomy and the heavenly message eclipses deliver. He created a system that would remind us regularly that our choices can create darkness, even at times when there should be light. Our free will choices can create a barrier between us and the Divine light, but can also allow Divine light to be seen here, Rabbi Mordechai Becher, via Fox News

Watch: Czech town's historic passion play draws hundreds in spectacular Easter display

In the lead-up to Easter Sunday, the town of Zdar nad Sazavou in the Czech Republic hosted its annual passion play, depicting the final days of the life of Jesus Christ.

5 Easter Traditions From Around the World

5 Easter Traditions , From Around the World. Every culture has its own unique holiday traditions rooted in that region's folklore and history. Here are five popular Easter traditions from different locations around the world. 1. Florence, Italy. The firework-packed cart is paraded through the city and set off by the Archbishop during Easter mass. 2. Sweden and Finland. It is common for children to dress up as witches and beg for chocolate in the streets. 3. Corfu, Greece. The tradition welcomes spring by disposing of old pots so new ones can be used to gather the season's crops. 4. Bessières, France. The tradition is said to have begun when Napoleon passed through the town and ordered the townspeople to make a giant Omelette for his army. 5. Jerusalem, Israel. Some who participate in the walk carry a large cross to symbolize Jesus’ painful journey

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter. Though Easter is celebrated by Christians remembering Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. chocolate bunnies can be found everywhere. But according to the 'Encyclopedia of Religion,' "the Easter bunny has never received any specific Christian interpretation.". That's because much of the Easter bunny tradition is derived from Ostara, the Germanic pre-Christian fertility goddess. The word "Easter" stems from her name, and it is said that she used to have a pet rabbit. Her name spawned a fictional character, Oschter Haws, a rabbit who gave children eggs on Easter. During the Industrial Revolution, smooth, solid chocolate was developed. Meanwhile, Germany started perfecting chocolate molds, including the form of rabbits. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the chocolate bunny made its way to America. One of the best-known first sightings was a five-foot chocolate rabbit outside a drugstore in Pennsylvania around 1890. The trend caught on, and the rest — is history