Spiritual Practices
Cricketing body deletes offside joke about Pope Francis
England's top cricketing body has apologised for a joke about the Pope that failed to hit the stumps.
Weak-sounding Pope releases message from hospital
It was the first time the world has heard Pope Francis's voice since the 88-year-old was admitted to hospital on Valentine's Day.
'Steadfast' Gazans begin second Ramadan amongst rubble
Gazan families sat among destroyed buildings as they broke their fast during the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Audio
Australia's A-League to have Ramadan breaks again this season
Australia's A-League competition will again allow a 90-second pause in play for Muslim players to break their fast during the month of Ramadan if evening matches are being played over sunset.
What will happen next if Pope Francis dies
Dr Nick Thompson of the University of Auckland's school of theological and religious studies joins Emile Donovan to share insight into the time-honoured traditions that are laid down for the… Audio
What's wrong with Pope Francis?
The pope is in critical condition. It's a reminder for older adults to take respiratory infections seriously - even if you're not as old as the pontiff.
Pope Francis's condition has worsened, Vatican says
Pope Francis "is more unwell than yesterday", the Vatican said in a statement.
'Fragile' Pope Francis not in 'immediate danger of death'
"Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is 'is he in danger of death?', the answer is 'no'," Dr Sergio Alfieri, who's in charge of the Pope's care, said.
'Suspicious' fires at a Masterton funeral home and multiple churches
A funeral home was set on fire at 10am on Saturday morning and four churches set a light overnight - two other churches were targeted.
Te Hira Paenga: Matatini judge
For some, the relationship between Christianity and Maori atua (gods) is very complex. But Te Hira Paenga sees the two as complementary. Audio
Pope Francis 'slightly improving,' Vatican says, in latest positive update
Pope Francis is "slightly improving" and his blood analyses are stable, the Vatican said, in the latest sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.
Ailing Pope Francis apologises for Vatican absence
Francis, 88, was admitted to a Rome hospital on Friday with a respiratory tract infection.
The ingenious NZ-designed hijab breaking ground overseas
Zeena Ali asked if she could wear her hijab as part of her NZ police uniform. The response was, "What's that?"
Funding a good death
Why the palliative care sector feels under fire, under-funded and under pressure to allow assisted dying practitioners into its facilities. Audio
MSD found wrong after tangi food cost refused in funeral grant
A woman successfully appealed an MSD decision refusing to cover food costs for her husband's tangi in a funeral grant.
Kumbh Mela celebrations begin in India
One of the world's largest religious festivals is underway in India, the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years on the banks of several rivers including the Ganges. RNZ Asia's Gaurav Sharma… Audio
400 million people to attend one of world's greatest religious spectacles
Millions of Hindu devotees are bathing in sacred waters as the world's biggest religious gathering begins in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
'Bathing in nectar': Giant Hindu festival for 400 million pilgrims begins
A gathering that dates back thousands of years is now so large its bright lights can be seen from space.
Hundreds claim they've got the real Holy Grail. So who's right?
Around 200 cups, in Europe alone, are said to be the Holy Grail. But what makes one cup holy - but not another?
Pope calls for talks to end Ukraine war
In his Christmas Day "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Francis addressed the Ukraine conflict and called for "the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation".
