School knife search powers ruled out after stabbings
Two stabbings in as many days have sparked safety fears but authorities insist a state's schools are safe, ruling out expanding search powers.
religion and belief
Ex-priest blames brain injury for teenage sex hunt
A former Catholic priest who said "there is no such thing as too young" argues injuries from a car accident impaired his judgment and decision-making.
Pope visits US ambassador on July 4, prays for migrants
American Pope Leo XIV has spent the Fourth of July praying for migrants at the epicentre of Europe's migration debate on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.
Sons of Iran’s slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral
Mourners have descended on Tehran for a funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack four months ago.
Members of rebel Catholic group excommunicated: Vatican
A breakaway right-wing Catholic group that ordained bishops without Pope Leo's approval are in schism with the church and excommunicated, the Vatican says.
Stefanovic to leave Nine after far-right interview
A controversial host is set to exit Nine following an outcry over his podcast interview with a British anti-immigration activist.
Cult leader ‘groomed’ girl for apocalyptic pregnancies
A self-proclaimed prophet and his wife allegedly groomed a young girl over a decade to get her pregnant and repopulate a post-apocalyptic society.
‘Dark shadow’ recalled at ex-governor-general’s funeral
The family of a former governor-general and archbishop has described how he became a "lightning rod" for institutional failures to prevent child sexual abuse.
Pope urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent plea
Pope Leo XIV has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit.
Man before court accused of AK-47 threat to mosque
A man accused of threatening to shoot worshippers at a mosque with an AK-47 assault rifle is before the courts after Muslim leaders warned against rising hate.
The rise and fall of the poverty-fighter who became GG
Peter Hollingworth, Australia's only clerical governor-general, was forced to quit because he hadn't dealt adequately with sexual abuse in the Anglican church.
Man accused of ramming synagogue gates granted bail
A man alleged to have rammed synagogue gates with his ute and then referred to the Bondi massacre has been bailed to go into a mental health care centre.
Labor MP ‘interfered’ with Hillsong fraud allegations
A Hillsong whistleblower is suing the federal government, claiming an MP repeatedly stopped another from airing her claims in parliament.
Australian Jews detail ‘unfair’ backlash linked to Gaza
The chance to share their experiences of bullying, harassment and fear in the face of anti-Semitism has been years in the making for many Jewish Australians.
Pope and Rubio commit to stronger ties, Vatican says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV have discussed "topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere," a US readout of the talks says.
Rubio meets Pope Leo amid tensions with Trump
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with the Pope at the Vatican after weeks of attacks by President Donald Trump on the pontiff over the Iran war.
‘Forgotten dreams’: Aussie artist dazzles at Venice
After much fanfare and controversy, crowds are marvelling at Khaled Sabsabi's work in Venice as he brings western Sydney's diversity to life on a world stage.
‘Dirty daddy’: ex-priest’s Christmas hunt for child sex
A former priest who tried to meet three children for sex told someone he shared vile images and video with that there was "no such thing as too young".
Man accused of ramming synagoge gate applies for bail
A man accused of using a ramming the gate of a synagogue made reference to the Bondi terrorist attack and had replica handgun convictions, a judge has heard.
UK vows to tackle state-backed threats after stabbings
Britain's government is fast-tracking laws to pursue people who carry out threats for state-sponsored groups following the latest anti-Semitic attack in London.
Trump posts image of him and Jesus, Pope feud continues
Days after posting a picture of himself looking like Jesus, US President Donald Trump has posted a second picture of him being embraced by him.
Man accused of ramming synagogue gate to seek bail
A man dragged out of a ute at gunpoint and arrested for allegedly ramming the gate of an inner city synagogue will soon apply for bail, a judge has heard.
Trump deletes ‘Jesus’ post as feud with pope escalates
A now-deleted post on Donald Trump's Truth Social depicting him as Jesus-like came amid his escalating feud with Pope Leo, who has criticised the war in Iran.
Pope Leo pushes back at Trump in feud over Iran war
Pope Leo has responded to President Donald Trump's criticism over the US-Israel war in Iran, saying the Vatican's peace appeals are rooted in the Gospel.
Pope Leo urges peace in first Easter mass
Pope Leo has celebrated his first Easter mass as pontiff, urging peace through dialogue and calling for an end to conflicts worldwide.
Pope urges peace in world torn by the ‘violence of war’
Pope Leo has used his first Easter mass to issue a call for hope at a time when the world is torn by the violence of war.
Mullally becomes first female archbishop of Canterbury
Ex-nurse Sarah Mullally has been installed as the archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion.
Pope names Australian as Vatican’s chief legal expert
Pope Leo has filled one of the most important Vatican vacancies by tapping an Australian church lawyer to serve as the Holy See's chief legal expert.
Prayers, protesters at end-of-Ramadan celebrations
Australia's Muslim community has marked the end of Ramadan, but the prime minister's appearance at a major mosque was met with a cold response.
AFL club admits ‘error of judgment’ on Bondi tribute
The Sydney Swans have apologised over an AFL pre-game tribute to the Bondi terror attack victims that failed to mention the Jewish community.
Gunman shot dead after crashing truck into US synagogue
An armed man has been shot dead after ramming his truck into a Michigan synagogue in what investigators said was a targeted attack on the Jewish community.