Before the pandemic, the hajj pilgrimage drew millions each year to Islam's holy city of Mecca, home to the cube-shaped Kaaba that observant Muslims pray toward five times a day.

Bells tolled Thursday for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the German theologian who made history by retiring, as thousands of mourners packed St. Peter's Square.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI 's body lay in state in St. Peter's Basilica on Monday as thousands of people filed by to pay tribute to the pontiff who shocked the world by retiring a decade ago.

He is remembered as a staunch conservative who opposed modernizing reforms and as the first pope to step down since the 15th century.

Benedict was the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years, creating a rare relationship between a sitting and former pope.

An exhibition of illuminated manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum explores how Jesus' mother was portrayed before Renaissance artists painted her with golden curls, perfect skin and blue eyes.

"Pope Francis renews the invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

Doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old's condition, the Vatican said Wednesday. Pope Francis has asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff.

Rev. Russell Levenson, Jr. got to know former President George H.W. Bush and his wife over more than a decade. He said how they lived their faith can serve as a roadmap for anyone, religious or not.

Pope Francis used his Christmas message to make a plea for an immediate end to the fighting in Ukraine, which he decried as "senseless." He also addressed long-running conflicts in the Middle East.

Recalling Jesus' birth in a stable, Pope Francis rebuked those "ravenous" for wealth and power at the expense of the vulnerable in a Christmas Eve homily decrying war, poverty and greedy consumerism.

A federal court has ruled that the Marine Corps can't deny Sikhs because of their unshorn beards and hair.

With demonstrations by the Proud Boys and an increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric, some clinical therapists say they're noticing the stress and anxiety Jewish clients are feeling this year.

The menorah is made out of wood that was removed from the building during a Truman-era renovation, and becomes the first Jewish artifact to be added to the White House archives.

The priest, Frank Pavone of Texas, heads the anti-abortion group Priests for Life. The Vatican said he was defrocked for "blasphemous communications on social media" and "persistent disobedience."