Father Patrick Ryan seemed like the embodiment of a typical village priest in Northern Ireland. But he lived a top secret life, because for almost 20 years, he worked undercover as a spy for the Irish Republican Army.

To those who encountered him, Father Patrick Ryan seemed like a typical village priest in Northern Ireland. But he lived a top secret life, because for almost 20 years, Ryan was a spy for the Irish Republican Army.

Why has Islamic State targeted Russia?, Catholic priests in Hong Kong may be required to break the confessional seal, and Christians in Gaza mark Easter amid conflict.

Church and human rights advocates fear that Article 23, as it’s known, could require priests in Hong Kong to report anti-government activity they hear about in the confessional.

Islamic State carried out a deadly concert attack near Moscow, killing at least 140 people. Why has the terrorist group targeted Russia?

At the Holy Family Church in Gaza, where hundreds have taken refuge, they will not abandon their tradition. Despite the destruction in Gaza City, they continue to celebrate Easter. 

In China, the government is testing technology that allows authorities to monitor a person's thoughts. It’s an AI development that particularly worries federal Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay.

Recently, Father Felice Palamara found a literal chalice that had been poisoned by the mafia. It's another sign of growing violence against priests who speak out against such criminal organisations. 

How developments in AI could be used and misused by employers, the war between mafia and priests in Italy, and religious concern over a possible change to a discrimination act.

A new religious discrimination law would reportedly allow faith-based schools to keep their spiritual character, but some religious groups worry this could be open to endless legal challenges.