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Pope names 23 new cardinals, including 2 Americans

Pope Benedict XVI named 23 new cardinals on Wednesday, in a list that highlights the concerns and the shifting demographics of the worldwide church.

The Dalai Lama's daunting teachings on reality

When the Dalai Lama, was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal in a Washington D.C. ceremony on Oct. 17, the focus was on his role as a voice for human rights in Tibet and worldwide. But he is also the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. USA TODAY religion reporter Cathy Lynn Grossman attended his latest three-day teaching on Buddhist philosophy.

Federal panel wants to shut Islamic school in Va.

A federal panel Thursday urged shutting a Washington area Islamic school operated by the Saudi government until the State Department can ensure its textbooks don't teach religious intolerance.

Osteen shines a positive light

What you see on television is just one side of Joel Osteen. During his weekly worldwide broadcast, the ever-smiling pastor of Houston's mega Lakewood Church is comfortable onstage, infectiously congenial, oozing down-home charm as he makes a joke related to Scripture.

Slave-owner heirs find harmony over history

Opera singer Andrew Frierson of New York City sang from his heart here Sunday for a special hometown audience of whites and blacks, many of whom shared a connection to his last name from the days of slavery.

Bishops to guide voting faithful on life questions

Should Catholics vote for the presidential candidate who shares their faith even though all five Catholic candidates break with the church's teachings on life questions such as abortion and stem cell research?

Pope to make first visit to U.S. in 2008

Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit to the USA as pontiff next year and plans to visit the White House and Ground Zero and to speak at the United Nations. Benedict will travel to Washington and New York from April 15-20.

Bishops: Faith should shape how people vote in '08

The nation's Catholic bishops Wednesday approved a statement on the nature of "faithful citizenship" that hammers home the "intrinsic evil" of abortion and reminds Catholic voters that their choices in the 2008 elections "also may affect" their salvation.

Psychology of confessions

In this age of online anonymity, where do turn when you need to get something off your chest?

Unwrapping spirit of Hanukkah: Giving to charity

When Jews light the first candle in their Hanukkah menorahs tonight, many join a modern trend of nightly gift-giving that rivals Christmas for consumer largesse.