Staff writer

Kurdish referendum ruled unconstitutional by Iraqi Federal Court

Iraq's Supreme Federal Court today issued what it called a 'final' ruling that a referendum held on Kurdish independence was unconstitutional and that the results of the vote were void, a court spokesman said.

Man accidentally shoots himself and wife during gun discussion in church

An 81-year-old Tennessee man, who said he carried a gun everywhere, accidentally shot himself and his wife during a discussion in church about gun violence at houses of worship, it emerged last night.

Don't pray to God 'like a parrot,' says Pope Francis

Mass-goers should spend their time in silence before the service, preparing to 'meet Jesus' instead of engaging in 'chitchat', Pope Francis has said.

Pope Francis gifted Lamborghini supercar â but gives it away to help Iraqi Christians

Pope Francis has been gifted a bespoke Lamborghini supercar. The famously ascetic pontiff publicly blessed the car, but elected that it be auctioned off with the proceeds used to help Christian communities attempting to rebuild in the Middle East.

Australian Christian Lobby vows to fight on after same-sex marriage vote defeat

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has declared defiantly that the 61.6 per cent majority vote in favour of same sex marriage merely represents 'the beginning of a new phase' in campaigning 'to bring Christ's influence into politics'.

Sick of dating but serious about marriage and children? How this new site is trying to help

Are you sick not only of hearing about crude dating apps in which you swipe left or right for instant hook-ups, but also sick of the very concept of dating itself?

'I pray for you': Pope Francis sends handwritten letter to blind soldier

Pope Francis has sent a handwritten letter to a Colombian soldier who lost his sight during the country's civil war.

At least 332 dead after strong earthquake hits Iraq and Iran

At least 332 people were killed in Iran and Iraq when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake jolted the region yesterday, according to state media in the two countries, and rescuers were searching for dozens trapped under rubble in the mountainous area.

'Let us drink beer!' The wisdom of Martin Luther in 12 quotes

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther, the German monk-turned-revolutionary who reshaped the Church.

Nine Christians shot dead in Nigeria in suspected Fulani attack

Nine Christians were shot dead in Plateau State, Nigeria on Tuesday night, by attackers believed to be militant Fulani herdsmen.

Smoke from the Vatican? Not any more as Pope Francis bans cigarettes

Pope Francis is ending the sale of cigarettes in the Vatican, saying the Holy See can not condone something so harmful to people's health.

'Mary was a teenager': Alabama official uses Bible's Mary and Joseph to defend Roy Moore from paedophilia claims

An Alabama state official yesterday dismissed abuse allegations against GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore, who stands accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The official â Alabama state auditor Jim Zeigler â pointed to the age gap between Jesus' parents Mary and Joseph, saying there's 'nothing immoral or illegal here'.

Protestants, Catholics and atheists surge leaving Orthodox trailing, says Pew survey