Utah & U.S. Religion News
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Pope Leo XIV had lobe of lung removed as doctors found cancer, Vatican says
Joshua McElwee and Matteo Negri, Reuters | Updated Oct. 13 - 2:47 p.m. | Save Story
Pope Leo XIV had a lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery on Tuesday and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin.

Archbishop of the U.S. military says Catholic soldiers should not serve on firing squad
Associated Press | Posted Oct. 12 - 1:04 p.m. | Save Story
The archbishop who oversees Catholic pastoral services for the U.S. military is condemning the proposed livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution. The archbishop, Timothy Broglio, also said that any Catholic soldiers assigned to the firing squad should ask to be excused from the duty, as it contradicts church teachings.

Gathering Israel: Elder Ronald A. Rasband dedicates Ephraim Utah Temple
Emily Ashcraft, KSL | Posted Oct. 12 - 10:49 a.m. | Save Story
The Ephraim Utah Temple was dedicated on Sunday, making it the 224th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City finds 'creative uses' for historic building
Joe R. Wirthlin Jr, KSL | Posted Oct. 11 - 11:04 a.m. | Save Story
The First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City serves as the unofficial "Sunnyside Avenue Community Center," bringing people together to worship, pray, learn and serve in a variety of ways.

Pope Leo declares death penalty 'inadmissible' as his native US plans to livestream execution
Nicole Winfield, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 10 - 9:05 a.m. | Save Story
Pope Leo XIV has declared capital punishment "inadmissible." He has penned a social media post for the World Day Against the Death Penalty, as his native United States announced plans to livestream an execution by firing squad.

New documentary asks, 'Is this Joseph Smith?'
VideoCarole Mikita, KSL | Posted Oct. 9 - 10:26 a.m. | Save Story
A daguerreotype from the 1840s has left many people asking, "Is this Joseph Smith?" A documentary releasing in Utah on Friday aims to answer that question.

Taliban firmly in control in Afghanistan 25 years after US-led invasion to oust them
Elena Becatoros and Abdul Qahar Afghan, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 8 - 3:56 p.m. | Save Story
Twenty-five years after the invasion and five years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country, the Taliban are firmly back in control of Afghanistan.

Church of Jesus Christ donates $3M for National Juneteenth Museum in Texas
Emily Ashcraft, KSL | Posted Oct. 7 - 6:56 p.m. | Save Story
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday it is donating $3 million to support the future National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, which will include a genealogy center powered by FamilySearch.

Scars from Oct. 7 fuel deep divisions over Netanyahu ahead of Israeli election
Josef Federman, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 7 - 9:08 a.m. | Save Story
As Israel gears up for national elections this month, the country remains focused on Oct. 7. The Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks are at the forefront of a bitter campaign that will determine the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli documentary 'NAZA' opens in the US, reigniting debate over the war in Gaza
Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 6 - 9:50 a.m. | Save Story
The opening in U.S. theaters of the "NAZA" documentary, in which Israeli military insiders describe what they say was the reckless killing of civilians in Gaza, is likely to rekindle the searing debate over America's military support for Israel ahead of congressional elections.

'Like general conference every day': Downtown Salt Lake prepares for temple crowds
VideoShelby Lofton, KSL | Posted Oct. 6 - 9:10 a.m. | Save Story
Downtown Salt Lake City businesses are preparing for an expected surge of 22,000 daily visitors when the Salt Lake Temple reopens, bringing new opportunities for retailers and restaurants.

New docuseries opens virtual doors to the Salt Lake Temple
VideoBrenna Donnelly, KSL | Updated Oct. 5 - 10:44 p.m. | Save Story
A first-of-its-kind video project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was celebrated as people gathered in downtown Salt Lake City for the premiere of a new docuseries.

Pope Francis' diaries to be published next month, revealing reflections on Vatican years
Hillel Italie, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 5 - 6:34 a.m. | Save Story
Journal entries kept by Pope Francis before and during his papacy will be published this fall for the first time.

Sunday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference
VideoStaff | Updated Oct. 4 - 4:03 p.m. | Save Story
Talk summaries and announcements from the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2026 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

General conference special: 'Kingdom of Faith: The Saints in Cambodia'
VideoKeri Wilcox and Emma Benson, KSL | Posted Oct. 4 - 3:39 p.m. | Save Story
What began with a handful of refugees who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has now grown to over 18,000 members in Cambodia.

BYU professor says AI can strengthen faith — if used the right way
VideoCaitlyn Johnston | Posted Oct. 4 - 1:03 p.m. | Save Story
In a new age infiltrated by technology, schools and religious institutions can no longer ignore it. So KSL asks a crucial question: Can AI help you build faith, or does it quietly hollow it out?

General conference special: 'The World Report'
VideoThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Posted Oct. 4 - 1:02 p.m. | Save Story
The October 2026 edition of "The World Report" highlights the final stages of the Salt Lake Temple renovation and other temple milestones, shares updates on global relief and humanitarian efforts, and offers other inspiring stories from around the world.

General conference special: 'The New Temple Square'
VideoCarole Mikita, KSL | Posted Oct. 4 - 12:00 p.m. | Save Story
After a massive, multiyear renovation project nears completion, Salt Lake's Temple Square will host a six-month celebration in 2027.


