(RNS) A 2011 rip from the spokeswoman of the leading GOP contender is starting to get some pushback– but that may not hurt Trump, at least in the early nominating states that have fewer Catholic voters.

(RNS) How could I have forgotten that Ziggy Stardust also played Pontius Pilate in “The Last Temptation of Christ.”

(RNS) Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi expands on his Twitter encomium of the man whose voice could “make the souls of all those with a restless conscience vibrate” while another priest begs to differ.

(RNS) If Capitol Hill were a bar, tonight’s guest list for the State of the Union address might sound like the start of a joke. But there’s a serious message.

(RNS) As they should, given the sense of spiritual searching that led Bowie through every tradition and philosophy, and even a “Little Drummer Boy” duet with Bing Crosby. So where did he end up?

(RNS) The last hero standing in the popular fantasy series was cut down end of last season. But will he return next spring? And as a Jesus-like messianic figure — or just another White Walker?

(RNS) The Philadelphia churchman is known as a staunch conservative, and as someone who may not see eye to eye with Francis on the church’s approach to the world. Here is the text of his speech today to the synod.

(RNS) With comments to Congress on abolishing the death penalty and by declaring a “right of the environment” at the United Nations, the pontiff may be pushing the envelope on Catholic doctrine — not that anyone will admit it.

(RNS) “Pope Francis will clarify that he never said he wants to abolish the market, but that he said the market needs a purification,” according to a Vatican official who has seen earlier drafts of the highly-anticipated talk.

(RNS) Looks like American conservatives and Obama critics are more upset than anyone else. “I would love to visit and talk to gay and lesbian people,” Francis said recently.