This Week in Religion - When Catholic faith complements progressive politics

Lead story Editor's note: California's fifth consecutive Catholic governor exemplifies the faith's deep roots While campaigning for California governor, Xavier Becerra reflected on how his Catholic upbringing informs his politics. “The sanctity of life is something that’s really ingrained in you,” the Democrat and former U.S. health and human services secretary said. He then explained his rationale, confounding to some, for supporting abortion rights. As the AP's Krysta Fauria reporters, Becerra exemplifies how Catholicism’s deep roots often go hand in hand with California's progressive reputation. With his win last week, California has elected five consecutive Catholic governors. Some of the five have been more vocal about their faith than others – notably Jerry Brown, who was a seminarian in the 1950s. Catholic voters – especially Latinos – helped elect Becerra, who became the state's first elected Latino governor. California is home to more Catholics than any other state; a Pew Research Center poll in 2024 found that 25% of California adults identify as Catholic.

Forward this newsletter to a friend

Religion News Music videos, remodeling and backup plans: Chiclayo prepares for Pope Leo's return Local businesses are displaying cardboard cutouts of the pope and welcome banners, schools are putting together special projects and local vendors are preparing to sell to the crowds that will soon descend. By Aleja Hertzler-McCain/Religion News Service Remembering Kristallnacht: Witness says night of terror risks being a lesson not learned Germany marked the 88th anniversary of the 'Night of Broken Glass,' the Nazi-led attacks on Jewish communities on Nov. 9, 1938, when synagogues, homes and thousands of Jewish businesses were destroyed. By Kirsten Grieshaber/The Associated Press Religious Democrats prepare to turn election victories into legislative action Newly elected lawmakers are setting their priorities as progressive faith groups press Congress to act on voting rights, healthcare and economic inequality. By Adelle M. Banks and Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service From ink to sacred text, Malaysia's Quran makers blend craft and faith At the Nasyrul Quran complex, traditional calligraphy meets modern printing technology. From handwritten designs to inspections by religious specialists, the process seeks to ensure the accuracy of the sacred text. By María Teresa Hernández/The Associated Press Pastor at a Beijing underground church has been arrested, his wife says China is intensifying its crackdown on unregistered churches. Xianfeng Edward Cui, who founded Beijing Jiaquan Church, was arrested Oct. 23 on charges of fraud, said his wife, who lives outside of China. By Simina Mistreanu and Didi Tang/The Associated Press

Commentary and Analysis Pope Leo’s trip is a homecoming to Peru – where debate over liberation theology roiled the church during his early years as a priest

Pope Leo’s November 2026 trip to Latin America will bring him back to Peru, where he served as a priest and bishop for two decades. By Eben Levey for The Conversation Russell Brand, convicted of rape, told us who he was. Why didn't Christian leaders listen? After Brand's conversion to Christianity, Bishop Robert Barron, Carl Lentz, Tullian Tchividjian and Gabe Lyons all appeared in interviews with him – even though the accusations against Brand were already public. By Karen Swallow Prior/Religion News Service What C.S. Lewis said about Narnia’s most famous character: the Jesus-like lion Aslan Some Narnia fans are up in arms about Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ directed by Greta Gerwig. By Christopher A. Snyder for The Conversation The ‘religious left’ may be rising – but Black Christian women have been there all along For years, Black women have been one of the Democratic Party's steadiest groups of supporters. And for many of those voters, faith helps inspire their politics. By Dara Delgado for The Conversation Photos of the Week: Diwali, Pope Leo in South America and more A devotee lights candles during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at a temple in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) About the Global Religion Journalism Initiative

This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S. The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith. The Conversation U.S.'s daily and weekly newsletters The Associated Press Newsletter Hub Religion News Service newsletter sign-up page