(RNS) The rise of the entertainment industry, combined with a focus on marketing techniques to preach the faith or build up a church, have sparked a penchant for ministry gimmicks that go well beyond the old dunk tank.

(RNS) As world leaders and ordinary citizens gathered to remember Nelson Mandela, abortion foes objected in blistering tones to his support for a sweeping abortion rights law they said negates any good the anti-apartheid leader achieved.

(RNS) Escaping the “gilded cage” of the papal apartments has been a dream of many popes who fear losing touch with ordinary life. Here are five examples, mostly true, of other Catholic churchmen who have gone off the grid.

(RNS) The Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it will decide whether for-profit businesses can be treated like religious entities.

(RNS) Pope Francis wants to know what rank-and-file Catholics think about gay marriage, divorce and birth control, but it's unclear whether U.S. bishops will poll their flocks or simply report their own thoughts.

(RNS) There’s a saying in the Catholic Church that while only God can create the world, only a pope can create cardinals.