RNS Morning Report: Cardinal George Pell, conservative force at the Vatican, dies at 81

Top Stories Cardinal George Pell, conservative force at the Vatican, dies at 81 VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pell was praised for his forceful efforts to reform Vatican finances, but his life and career were marred in recent years due to sexual abuse allegations in his native Australia.   A restored medieval depiction of the Crusades shows how England embraced Islamic culture (RNS) — Floor tiles from Chertsey Abbey in England, the subject of a new exhibition, resemble Muslim and Byzantine silks that crusaders brought back as souvenirs.    PHOTO GALLERY: The history and diversity of African American religious rituals (RNS) — A new photo book from the National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Black history through its range of spiritual traditions.   Benedict XVI’s quiet exit at odds with his lasting imprint on the pontificate (RNS) — Many tourists and Roman citizens didn’t know the retired pope had died, despite the massive impact that his life had on the Catholic Church and the popes. RNS Opinion Is Catholic teaching on birth control driving people from the pews? (RNS) — Catholics’ adherence to the church’s teaching seems to depend in part on how often the person attends Mass.   Thank you, Pastor Jack (RNS) — In the death of Jack Hayford, we have lost a giant and I have lost my spiritual father into eternity. ICYMI Exvangelical TikTok worship parodies bring unexpected healing (RNS) — Using troubling quotes from the Bible, Prezleigh and Joshua Colburn write worship parodies under the name 'Trysten & Sayge.' In Other News Bad preachers’ wives Albert Reichmann, real estate mogul who aided Jewish causes, dies at 93   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