2025-03-29 18:00:58.525

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. This year, the celebrations are occurring amidst significant changes in various communities. In Gaza, it is the second Eid since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which resumed after a ceasefire ended. The renewed conflict has resulted in a devastating loss of life, exceeding 50,000 Palestinians according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Elsewhere, Syrians celebrate their first Eid since the end of Assad's rule, although the transition has been marked by violence. In the United States, some supporters of Palestinian causes have faced detainment. Eid al-Fitr traditions vary across the globe, with common practices including congregational prayers, family visits, gift-giving, and festive meals. In Indonesia, the "mudik" tradition sees a mass exodus to hometowns. Malaysia features mosque prayers, family visits, and the sharing of traditional foods. Egypt involves family visits, festive prayers, and children receiving "eidiya." In the US, celebrations often include community gatherings and activities for children.

2025-03-29 18:00:58.52

Carlo Acutis, born in 1991, will be canonized on April 27th. This tech-savvy teen, who died of leukemia at 15, combined his love of video games and computers with a profound faith. He created an online exhibit on Eucharistic miracles and dedicated his life to serving others. His path to sainthood began over a decade ago and was marked by two recognized miracles. Now, a million pilgrims annually visit his shrine in Assisi, drawn to his relatability as a modern-day teenager. Father Jacinto Bento highlights Acutis's accessibility as a role model, while Tomaso Barbon emphasizes his appeal to families. Acutis's canonization coincides with the Holy Year's jubilee for teens, solidifying his status as a relatable and inspiring figure for a new generation.

2025-03-12 00:00:32.864

Ratu Thalisa, a Muslim transgender woman with nearly 450,000 TikTok followers, was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison for hate speech against Christianity. Her crime? Suggesting Jesus should cut his hair during a live broadcast. This comment, made in response to a viewer's suggestion that Thalisa herself should cut her hair, led to complaints from five Christian groups. The court, citing Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions (EIT) law, ruled that her comments could disrupt public order and religious harmony. Amnesty International criticized the sentence as an attack on freedom of expression, arguing that Thalisa's speech didn't reach the threshold of incitement to violence. The organization highlighted the increasing use of the EIT law to punish social media comments, calling for Thalisa's release and revisions to the law. This case follows other recent blasphemy convictions in Indonesia, highlighting the rise of religious conservatism and the weaponization of blasphemy laws against religious minorities.

2025-03-02 00:00:41.609

Observant Muslims worldwide will soon begin Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and charity. This year, the holy month coincides with the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prompting many Muslims to reflect on the plight of Palestinians. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, typically starts around March 11th, though the exact date depends on moon sightings. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. It is seen as an act of worship and a way to cultivate piety and empathy for the less fortunate. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, charity, and community gatherings for the evening meal, known as 'iftar'. Cultural traditions vary widely across the globe, with some communities decorating homes, attending special events, and sharing meals. In Egypt, lanterns and Ramadan tents are common sights; in Indonesia, diverse rituals blend Islamic and local traditions; and in the United States, mosques and Islamic centers serve as focal points for community gatherings. Despite some concerns about commercialization, many view the festive aspects of Ramadan as an integral part of the month's spirit. The article highlights the diverse ways Muslims observe Ramadan while acknowledging the global context of this year's observance.

2025-03-01 18:00:35.593

Observant Muslims worldwide will soon observe Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and charity. This year, however, the month begins amidst the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, which has devastated Gaza and created a humanitarian catastrophe. Many Muslims are focusing on supporting Palestinians during Ramadan through donations and prayers. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, its start traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon (expected around March 11th). Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. It's seen as an act of worship, promoting self-restraint, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate. Ramadan is marked by increased prayer, Quran recitation, and charity, including providing iftar meals for the needy. Exemptions from fasting exist for illness or travel. Cultural traditions vary widely, with some common practices including decorating homes, attending communal iftars, and watching special television programs. Concerns exist about commercialization, but many see a balance between festive celebrations and religious devotion. Examples of diverse Ramadan traditions across Indonesia, India, and the United States are highlighted, showcasing the varied cultural expressions of this important Islamic month.

2025-02-28 18:01:01.266

Observant Muslims worldwide will observe Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. It is a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity, and good deeds, often bringing families and friends together in festive gatherings. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr. This year, Ramadan begins around March 1st and its start date may vary slightly based on moon sightings. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn till sunset. Exemptions exist for illness or travel. Ramadan is marked by increased mosque attendance, Quran recitation, and charitable giving, including providing iftar meals for the needy. Cultural traditions vary widely, from the mesaharati's pre-dawn calls in Egypt to communal feasts in Indonesia and festive markets in India. Concerns exist regarding the commercialization of Ramadan, but many see a balance between religious observance and festive celebrations. This year, Ramadan occurs amidst the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and significant political changes in the Middle East, such as the fall of the Syrian government.

2025-02-27 07:45:51.667

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement as he battles double pneumonia, but doctors said Wednesday his prognosis is still guarded. A chest CT scan taken Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of an infection as it is being treated, the Vatican said in its late update. The 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen but hasn’t had any more respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests, which had shown some low platelet counts and anemia, have confirmed an improvement and the slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, the statement said. Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy, the statement said. It was the first time the Vatican has confirmed Francis was receiving physiotherapy to help him expel fluid from his lungs. A complex lung infection has kept the 88-year-old pope hospitalized in critical condition since Feb. 14. Francis has chronic lung disease and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened. While doctors didn’t repeat that he was in critical condition in Wednesday’s update, as they have in recent days, they said his prognosis remained guarded, meaning he wasn’t out of danger. The pope resumed work in the afternoon from his hospital room, after receiving the Eucharist in the morning. And in a sign the Holy See machinery was grinding on, the Vatican announced he had appointed four new bishops and approved the creation of a new fundraising initiative to encourage donations to the Holy See, which has been enduring a financial crisis for years. Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized. But the announcements made them official and suggested Francis was still very much in charge and governing. Pilgrims descend on the hospital to be closer to Francis. If he were to look out the hospital window from the 10th floor, he might see that a steady stream of well-wishers are lighting candles and leaving him balloons and get-well cards at the statue of St. John Paul II near the Gemelli entrance. It has become something of a makeshift pilgrimage destination, especially for church groups in town for the Vatican’s Holy Year. On Wednesday, Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, Spain led a group of 50 pilgrims to the site, saying they wanted to be as close to him as possible. “Because when a family has someone who is sick it is very important that they are surrounded, it is necessary that everyone is near to them, and all the people of God are close the pope,” he said. At dusk, trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano serenaded the pope with a rendition of Schubert’s Ave Maria under his window. “For me this is not a simple song, this is a big prayer for the pope so that he will better,” Capuano said. “These are terrible days and I hope the whole world can pray together with us.” Cardinal Re picked to lead prayer vigil on Wednesday. The dean of the College of Cardinals, meanwhile, was designated to lead the Vatican’s prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night, thrusting a key figure in a future possible conclave into the spotlight. Francis recently extended the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, keeping him in the important job rather than naming someone new. As is now popularly known thanks to the Oscar-nominated film “Conclave,” the dean is a key point of reference for cardinals. He presides over a papal funeral and organizes the conclave to elect a new pope. From 2000-2010, Re was prefect of the Vatican’s congregation for bishops, one of the most powerful and influential positions in the Holy See. Francis made him dean in 2020 and confirmed him in the job in January despite the expiration of his five-year term. The faithful from Francis’ homeland, meanwhile, gathered in the Argentine church of Rome for a special Mass presided over by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome. Reina also celebrated the lunchtime Mass on Wednesday at Gemelli to pray for Francis. Sister Nilda Trejo, an Argentine nun, said that she knew Francis’ health has always been delicate, with problems breathing and speaking loudly, and that’s why she always prayed for him. “We knew that he often found it difficult,” she said. “In fact, you see that at the beginning of Mass, the microphone always has to be turned up because he has a bit of trouble. But he always spoke to the people. To the heart of the people.”

2025-02-27 07:40:28.988

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement as he battles double pneumonia, but doctors said Wednesday his prognosis is still guarded. A chest CT scan taken Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of an infection as it is being treated, the Vatican said in its late update. The 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen but hasn’t had any more respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests, which had shown some low platelet counts and anemia, have confirmed an improvement and the slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, the statement said. Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy, the statement said. It was the first time the Vatican has confirmed Francis was receiving physiotherapy to help him expel fluid from his lungs. A complex lung infection has kept the 88-year-old pope hospitalized in critical condition since Feb. 14. Francis has chronic lung disease and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital after a bout of bronchitis worsened. While doctors didn’t repeat that he was in critical condition in Wednesday’s update, as they have in recent days, they said his prognosis remained guarded, meaning he wasn’t out of danger. The pope resumed work in the afternoon from his hospital room, after receiving the Eucharist in the morning. And in a sign the Holy See machinery was grinding on, the Vatican announced he had appointed four new bishops and approved the creation of a new fundraising initiative to encourage donations to the Holy See, which has been enduring a financial crisis for years. Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized. But the announcements made them official and suggested Francis was still very much in charge and governing. Pilgrims descend on the hospital to be closer to Francis. If he were to look out the hospital window from the 10th floor, he might see that a steady stream of well-wishers are lighting candles and leaving him balloons and get-well cards at the statue of St. John Paul II near the Gemelli entrance. It has become something of a makeshift pilgrimage destination, especially for church groups in town for the Vatican’s Holy Year. On Wednesday, Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, Spain led a group of 50 pilgrims to the site, saying they wanted to be as close to him as possible. Cardinal Re picked to lead prayer vigil on Wednesday. The dean of the College of Cardinals, meanwhile, was designated to lead the Vatican’s prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night, thrusting a key figure in a future possible conclave into the spotlight. Francis recently extended the term of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, keeping him in the important job rather than naming someone new. From 2000-2010, Re was prefect of the Vatican’s congregation for bishops, one of the most powerful and influential positions in the Holy See. Francis made him dean in 2020 and confirmed him in the job in January despite the expiration of his five-year term. The faithful from Francis’ homeland, meanwhile, gathered in the Argentine church of Rome for a special Mass presided over by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome. Reina also celebrated the lunchtime Mass on Wednesday at Gemelli to pray for Francis. Sister Nilda Trejo, an Argentine nun, said that she knew Francis’ health has always been delicate, with problems breathing and speaking loudly, and that’s why she always prayed for him.

2025-02-27 07:40:09.216

Pope Francis is showing slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but doctors say his prognosis is still guarded. A CT scan showed the infection is responding to treatment, and his blood test results have improved, with reduced kidney insufficiency and increased platelet counts and hemoglobin levels. He continues to receive high-flow oxygen and respiratory physiotherapy. While no longer explicitly described as being in critical condition, his prognosis remains guarded. Despite his hospitalization, the Pope resumed work from his hospital room, appointing new bishops and approving a new fundraising initiative. Meanwhile, pilgrims gather outside the hospital to offer prayers and well wishes, and a prayer vigil is being held in St. Peter's Square. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, is leading the vigil, highlighting his importance in the event of a papal succession. The faithful from Francis’ homeland gathered in the Argentine church of Rome for a special Mass, praying for his health.

2025-02-27 05:16:00.276

Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but doctors maintain a guarded prognosis. A chest CT scan revealed the infection is evolving normally under treatment. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen but hasn't experienced respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests indicate improvement in low platelet counts and anemia, and kidney insufficiency has receded. He's undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help expel fluid from his lungs. The Pope resumed work from his hospital room and made several official appointments, suggesting he remains in charge despite his condition. Meanwhile, pilgrims gather outside the hospital to offer prayers and well wishes. The dean of the College of Cardinals will lead a prayer vigil, highlighting the significance of this key figure in a potential future conclave.