RNS Morning Report - Catholic rituals blend with Neapolitan folklore in queer pilgrimage🏳️‍🌈⛪

Top Stories Catholic rituals blend with Neapolitan folklore in pilgrimage for queer community MERCOGLIANO, Italy (RNS) — Inside a church just outside Naples, people known as femminielli gathered for La Juta, a centuries-old Candlemas pilgrimage honoring the Madonna of Montevergine. With new book, Sikh researcher hopes to shift the narrative on the Tenth Guru (RNS) — ‘The wisdom actually doesn’t see this East-West divide or conceptions of medieval (versus) modernity,’ said author Harinder Singh. For 2026 Super Bowl, ‘He Gets Us’ ad goes more personal, less political (RNS) — The billion-dollar ads have been criticized by some conservative Christians as being too ‘woke’ or liberal in the past. A new take on the campaign will focus on dealing with the struggles of life, rather than social conflicts. Palestinians allowed in to Gaza and patients are evacuated to Egypt as the Rafah crossing reopens CAIRO (AP) — The reopening of the crossing marked a key step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire but mostly a symbolic one, with few people allowed to travel and no goods allowed to pass through. Opinion Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses. (RNS) — People of faith are being called to view politics through the lens of faith, not the other way around. The Dignity Act challenges Americans to choose cooperation on immigration (RNS) — We have the opportunity to make real, tangible progress and bridge the current divide. ICYMI Epstein bought Kaaba covers. What does the sacred Kiswah cloth represent? (RNS) — The black, gold-embroidered cloth that shrouds Islam’s holiest site in Saudi Arabia is a revered artifact that carries spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. Francis’ actions scrutinized as Vatican appeals court reviews finance trial VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As the Vatican’s highest appeals court reviews the landmark finance trial, defense lawyers are increasingly focusing on an uncomfortable question: the legality of actions taken by Pope Francis during the investigation. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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