4 h. ago How Pope Francis changed the Catholic church, and what happens next – podcast

Just hours after wishing the world a happy Easter, the 267th head of the Roman Catholic church passed away. What was his legacy and who will take his place? Catherine Pepinster reportsPope Francis was working until the end. On Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic church offered an Easter greeting to the crowds in St Peter’s Square who had gathered for mass. By the next morning, after months battling pneumonia and bronchitis, he had passed away.From the beginning, the first Latin American pope wanted his papacy to be different. Catherine Pepinster, the former editor of the Tablet, says one of his first notable actions was to go to a prison, rather than a church, to wash people’s feet in the traditional Maundy Thursday rite. It was typical of a pontiff who refused many of the luxuries of his predecessors – from giving up an apartment in the papal palace to only wearing simple leather shoes. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Gwen Stefani takes husband Blake Shelton to church for Easter Sunday after fan backlash over prayer app

Gwen Stefani was seen heading to church with husband Blake Shelton.

Politics

12 h. ago Russell Brand seen attending local church in Florida on Easter Sunday

Despite his scheduled UK court appearance having been charged earlier this month for multiple sexual offences, Russell Brand visited a church near his home in Florida on Easter Sunday.

Politics

38 h. ago A Pentecostal church in South Africa holds mass Easter weddings for 3,000 people, some polygamous

A Pentecostal church in South Africa has celebrated Easter Sunday with mass wedding ceremonies for around 3,000 people, with many of them making polygamous marriages

Politics

38 h. ago Royal insiders react to Prince Andrew's shock Easter outing as William's feelings emerge

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Andrew was welcomed back into the Royal Family fold by attending the Easter Sunday church service with the Firm today - but his relationship with the King and Prince William is said to remain 'incredibly strained'

Politics

43 h. ago Disgraced Prince Andrew stuns observers with appearance at royal Easter service

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Royal Family at the Easter Sunday church service today in Windsor.

Politics

44 h. ago Real reason Kate Middleton and Prince William skipped Easter service as Andrew appears

The King and Queen have been joined by several members of the Royal Family for the traditional Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle - but the Prince and Princess of Wales were missing from the ceremony

Politics

44 h. ago Prince Andrew makes shock appearance at royal Easter service after 'spy' scandal

The King and Queen have led the Royal Family at the traditional Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel in Windsor with members of the family including Prince Andrew - but the Prince and Princess of Wales did not join them

Politics

45 h. ago Ukrainians mark Easter with little faith in Russia ceasefire

Dozens of Ukrainians have gathered at a bombed-out church in the country’s north to celebrate Easter Sunday, doubting a ceasefire with Russia might be possible

Events