RNS Morning Report: The most significant religion stories of 2022

We are in the home stretch of our fundraising campaign – and we need you to help us across the finish line. Will you donate before the end of the year to show your support of our nonprofit newsroom? Top Stories The most significant religion stories of 2022 (RNS) — Faith communities and organizations were at the center of some of the year's most indelible moments.   The top 5 Vatican news stories of 2022 (RNS) — Amid wars and polarization, an aging Pope Francis continued to push forward his vision for the church.   State lawsuits defend abortion access with religious freedom INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Since Dobbs, lower courts in at least five states have issued rulings in abortion-related religious freedom lawsuits.   Vatican: Benedict XVI lucid, stable, but condition ‘serious’ VATICAN CITY (AP) — The diocese of Rome scheduled a special Mass in honor of Benedict on Friday at St. John Lateran. RNS Opinion George Santos lied. Here is why it matters. (RNS) — Rep. George Santos is a poseur, a wannabe and a liar. He should not be allowed to serve in Congress.   Reasons for despair — and hope — for traditional religious views’ place on campus (RNS) — Examples of toleration by secular orthodox institutions create room for optimism. ICYMI How the war in Ukraine dominated this year’s online searches for Bible verses (RNS) — YouVersion reported that users' engagement with the Bible rose by 55% this year in Ukraine, which neighboring Russia invaded in February.   How does the Vatican plan a retired pope’s funeral? (RNS) — When Benedict announced his retirement in 2013, he opened a decade of uncharted pontifical territory. In Other News Patricia Daly, nun who led moral battles in corporate world, dies at 66 Christmas comes with good cheer. The tragedy is the religious baggage   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend