Catholic priest shortage gives rise to "megachurch" as parishes expand
Over a half-century, the average size of a parish increased by 60%, while the number of priests dropped by 40%.
Religion
Kenya cult leader on trial for manslaughter
A trial began Monday for a Kenyan cult leader charged with manslaughter over the deaths of more than 400 of his followers. Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, was arrested last April after about 440 bodies were found in the remote Shakahola Forest. Mackenzie allegedly told his followers to stop eating in order to "meet Jesus."
Texas targets religious groups aiding migrants
The issue of immigration has led to tensions between the federal government and the states and between border governors and big city mayors. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the story of a legal fight between a decades-old Catholic charity in El Paso, Texas, and state officials.
Paris organizers apologize for offense caused by opening ceremony act
Organizers say an act during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony featuring an LGBTQ+ icon flanked by drag artists did not depict "The Last Supper."
New Zealand inquiry exposes decades of abuse
An independent inquiry in New Zealand found that state and religious institutions failed to prevent the abuse of hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults over the last seven decades. CBS News' Ian Lee has the details.
Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old temple and theater in Peru
Archaeologists say the discovery could shed light on early religious practices in the region.
3 Columbia University administrators ousted from posts over controversial texts
Three administrators have been "permanently removed from their positions" at Columbia College and "remain on leave" over texts they exchanged during an on-campus event about Jewish life at the school, Columbia University's president announced Monday.
Oklahoma superintendent requires public schools to teach the Bible
Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters said every classroom in Oklahoma will have a Bible.
Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid extreme heat
More than 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced soaring temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom.
Louisiana law requires Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms
The GOP-drafted legislation mandates that a display of the Ten Commandments in "large, easily readable font" be required in all public classrooms.
Louisiana governor signs Ten Commandments law
Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law Wednesday.
Texas pastor resigns after allegations of misconduct with 12-year-old
Robert Morris allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl between 1982 and 1987.
Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris accused of sexual assault
A woman claims Morris abused her starting in 1982, when she was 12.
Southern Baptists vote to formally oppose IVF
Thousands of delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis on Wednesday voted to reject a constitutional ban on women holding the office of pastor. However, some proposals did succeed, including a formal opposition to in vitro fertilization. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Southern Baptists narrowly reject ban on congregations with women pastors
Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention narrowly rejected a proposal to enshrine the ban in its constitution, with opponents noting the church can already oust such churches.
Bridgeview mosque guides members through multiple recent tragedies
After the alleged murders of a 6-year-old boy and four members of the same family, mosque leaders try to help community members grieve and move forward.
Southern Baptists reject ban on women pastors
Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a ban on women pastors Wednesday. About 61% of the delegates voted for the ban, which is less than the required two-thirds supermajority needed to pass the proposal. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Well-known North Texas pastor steps away from ministry "due to sin"
Dr. Tony Evans once served as chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks.
New book examines fall of Roe v. Wade
Nearly two years since the fall of Roe v. Wade, a new book examines the decadeslong effort by conservatives to overturn abortion rights in the U.S. New York Times journalists Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias, authors of "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America," join CBS News to discuss the political maneuvering that came before that decision.
Southern Baptists poised to ban congregations with women pastors
The proposed ban could affect hundreds of Baptist congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches.
This program looks at why professionals leave secular, high-powered careers to become clergy, academics and spiritual caregivers
This program looks at why professionals leave secular, high-powered careers to become clergy, academics and spiritual caregivers.
Vatican holds "World Children's Day" festival
Over the weekend, 50,000 children from around the world attended the Vatican's first "World Children's Day" festival. Pope Francis held a special mass for children on Sunday, wrapping up the event. He asked everyone to pray for young people who are suffering from injustice and war.
Italian teenager to become first millennial Catholic saint
Carlo Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15. The Catholic Church has attributed two miracles to him, which means he can be elevated to sainthood.
Breaking down the Justice Alito flag saga
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is facing renewed scrutiny after the New York Times reported that a second flag linked to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was shown flying at his vacation home last summer. Investigative reporter Jodi Kantor, who broke the story, joins CBS News to discuss what it means for the high court.
What is the "Appeal to Heaven" flag?
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is under scrutiny after The New York Times reported Alito's home displayed a second flag used by Jan. 6 protesters. The "Appeal to Heaven" flag has been associated with a push for a more Christian-minded government and opposition to left-leaning politicians. Matthew Taylor, senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, joins "America Decides" to unpack the flag's history.
Live
Israel strikes Lebanon as Iran says it "cannot trust the Americans"
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
GOP Sen. Cassidy fights to hold onto seat in Louisiana primary
Louisianans are voting Saturday in the state's Senate primaries as Sen. Bill Cassidy fights to hold onto his seat, facing a Trump-backed primary challenger.
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended the "Unite the Kingdom" march, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations seen in Britain in recent years.
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
Hamas leader who helped plan Oct. 7 attacks has been killed, Israel says
Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in a "precise strike in the area on the City of Gaza," the Israel Defense Forces said Saturday.
Iran men's soccer team heading to Turkey for World Cup preparations
Iran and the U.S. cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.
Maldives suspends search for remains of 4 Italians after military diver dies
The remains of the 4 Italians are believed to be deep inside an underwater cave.
Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
A longtime Atlanta principal retired, then returned to his school as a handyman
David White retired as the longtime principal at the Burgess-Peterson Academy in Atlanta, and then returned to the school as its handyman.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Politics
More Politics
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended the "Unite the Kingdom" march, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations seen in Britain in recent years.
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
GOP Sen. Cassidy fights to hold onto seat in Louisiana primary
Louisianans are voting Saturday in the state's Senate primaries as Sen. Bill Cassidy fights to hold onto his seat, facing a Trump-backed primary challenger.
Trump says U.S. has killed Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
HealthWatch
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Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
Tommy Bell thought he was in good shape. But a series of heart attacks painted a more complicated picture.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
World
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Iran men's soccer team heading to Turkey for World Cup preparations
Iran and the U.S. cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.
Eurovision reaches its grand final in Austria clouded by politics and protests
This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended the "Unite the Kingdom" march, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations seen in Britain in recent years.
Former mayor and aide killed in shooting in Colombia weeks before election
Colombia's presidential elections are scheduled for May 31, marking the end of the term for Gustavo Petro, the country's first leftist president.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Eurovision reaches its grand final in Austria clouded by politics and protests
This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.
"Survivor" superfan builds her own tribe
The "Survivor" season 50 finale premieres on Wednesday, and "CBS Saturday Morning" meets Sarah Polakiewicz, a "Survivor" superfan in Atlanta who built her own community around the show.
"Dutton Ranch" stars on Texas transition
Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Finn Little of "Dutton Ranch" sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss their characters' transitions from Montana to Texas, and more on the new "Yellowstone" spinoff.
Taj Mahal performs "Time"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Time."
Taj Mahal performs "Queen Bee"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Queen Bee."
Technology
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Technology
Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Science
More Science
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
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Crime
Details on charges against Mohammad Al-Saadi
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is facing federal charges for his alleged terror plots targeting Jewish institutions around the U.S.
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Sources: Iraqi national planned synagogue attacks
Federal prosecutors charged an Iraqi national on Friday with planning several terrorist attacks in the U.S. as retribution for the Iran war. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Iraqi national accused of plotting attacks
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is facing federal charges for allegedly plotting several terror attacks in the U.S., including targeting a Jewish institution in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Jake Rosen report.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Dish: Scott Conant
Chef and restaurateur Scott Conant goes back to his culinary roots with home-cooked Italian food in his family home.
"Survivor" superfan builds her own tribe
The "Survivor" season 50 finale premieres on Wednesday, and "CBS Saturday Morning" meets Sarah Polakiewicz, a "Survivor" superfan in Atlanta who built her own community around the show.
"Dutton Ranch" stars on Texas transition
Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Finn Little of "Dutton Ranch" sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss their characters' transitions from Montana to Texas, and more on the new "Yellowstone" spinoff.
Breaking down Trump's China trip
Patrick McGee, who wrote "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to break down President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping.
Inside China's "dark factories"
Fully automated manufacturing plants in China, or "dark factories," could overhaul modern manufacturing and eliminate the need for human workers.