Sunday

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Northern Ireland's Christian-focused RE curriculum is unlawful. Since then, churches, politicians and schools there have been trying to make sense of the possible implications of that ruling, both for RE teaching and for the place of religion in schools more generally.

Pope Leo has revealed his top four favourite films ahead of an event in the Vatican where he welcomed some Hollywood A-Listers: including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Monica Bellucci. Alissa Wilkinson, film critic at the New York Times, explores the Pope's passion for cinema.

The UK's favourite school assembly hymn will be revealed today, as the winner of a public poll is announced on Songs of Praise, as part of The Big School Assembly Singalong. We speak to Becky Silver, songwriter of contemporary songs for schools and a former teacher, about the role of hymns in schools.

Presenter: William Crawley.

Across China, unregistered house churches are facing growing pressure from the authorities as the Chinese Communist Party tightens control over religious life. The Chinese Communist Party says citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. We've a report from the BBC's Correspondent in Hong Kong, Danny Vincent.

Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago on the 20th of November. We explore the legacy of his system of National Catholicism and how a far right party is gaining popularity in the country today.

A religious theme is finding its way into the music charts thanks to the latest album from Rosalia. The Spanish singer herself appears on the cover in the guise of a nun - part of a phenomenon which has now been defined as "nunmania". Sister Gemma Simmonds from the Congregation of Jesus gives her thoughts on the trend.

PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON

It is Remembrance Sunday, and one of the First World War stories we often refer back to at this time of year is the Christmas truce between British and German soldiers. A story has now emerged of a World War Two truce during one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict between the United States and Japan. Edward Stourton speaks to Professor Nick Megoran from Newcastle University who researched what happened.

Metropolitan Hilarion was once one of the most powerful figures in the Russian Orthodox Church — effectively its foreign minister, as well as a theologian and composer. But in 2022 he was removed from office and sent to serve as the head of the Orthodox church in Hungary - there was widespread speculation he was being punished because he wouldn't endorse the invasion of Ukraine. Then last year he lost that job too, following allegations of spying, sexual misconduct, and financial abuse. He's now talked about all this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Budapest, Nick Thorpe.

Despite a recent announcement by the RSF agreeing to a three-month humanitarian truce proposed by the Quad Mechanism (US, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia), fighting continues, with explosions and drone attacks reported near Khartoum and Atbara. Sudan's military-led government said it would be wary of agreeing to a truce as the RSF group did not "respect" ceasefires. The Sunday programme hears the latest from BBC Correspondent Richard Kagoe, as well as the Archbishop of Sudan, Ezekiel Kondo, who has been in the UK this weekend.

Presenter: Edward Stourton

If you're one of the millions who've been gripped by The Celebrity Traitors, you'll be counting down the hours to the final on Thursday. The Sunday programme explores the ethical questions about taking part with Anglican Priest Reverend Lisa Coupland who appeared in the third 'civilian' series of the game.

King Charles and Pope Leo made history in the Sistine Chapel by praying side by side - a first for the leaders of the Church of England and Catholic Church.

PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON

This week, King Charles will pray alongside Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel: the first time a British Monarch and a Pontiff have done so since the Reformation. It's part of a state visit by the King and Queen, and is seen as an important symbol of strengthened ties between the two churches.

A new graffiti art installation inside Canterbury Cathedral has provoked a scathing backlash from critics from around the world, describing it as “sacrilegious”, “a desecration”, and part of the “suicide” of the Church of England. What are the theological questions it raises?

As Diwali is about to get underway, the BBC has created an online space for children on the gaming platform Roblox, which explores the multifaith festival in a fun and interactive way, and which features the Asian Network presenter Nikita Kanda as a character.

Presenter: Julie Etchingham

It's a new dawn in Gaza as the ceasefire holds, we hear from the Catholic aid agency ready to send aid to Palestinians returning to where their homes once stood.

Israeli families countdown to the release of the hostages they've longed for: we hear from those already released on why their Jewish faith deepened in captivity.

Does Andy Burnham 'do God?' The Mayor of Greater Manchester says it is time for faith communities to help form a bedrock for a new vision of local government - and he credits Pope Francis with the idea of fostering a new culture of encounter.

PRESENTER: JULIE ETCHINGHAM

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with William Crawley.

One man has a special insight into the qualities needed to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury; Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries has known the last 7 holders of the office. With the new incumbent potentially days or weeks away from being appointed, he takes us through some of the characteristics that will stand them in good stead.

Emily speaks to Phyllis Zagano, leading expert on the subject of women deacons about whether Pope Leo will continue progress on the question.

In the week the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia died aged 82, we ask who will replace him and will the country continue on a modernising path away from strict religious customs?

China has published a new code of conduct detailing what clergy may and may not do online, warning them against internet fortune telling, or using AI for preaching. So is this an attempt to rein in the overcommercialisation of religious life, or a move to control religious freedom?

PRODUCERS: Catherine Murray & Katy Booth

As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, William Crawley talks to Adrian Gallagher, Professor in Global Security about whether the UN has lived up to its founding principles.

Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has condemned the UK decision to formally recognise Palestinian statehood this week as "an historic error of foreign policy", but could this action forge a way to peace?

We're used to seeing faith and religion portrayed in books and films, but now it's religion inspiring video games. The Gaming Vicar, Rev Simon Archer, explains the fascination with religion in video games.

On Sunday an open letter in the Sunday Times accused the organisers of the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in central London of misusing Christianity and co-opting Christian symbols.. Pastor Rikki Doolan, who brought Tommy Robinson to faith, explains why the bible should be at the heart of British culture and decision making. We get reaction from Rt Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin and Dr Maria Power, Co editor of "The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity" talks to William about the rise of Christian nationalism.

Presenter: William Crawley