Anna Levy

2 days ago | abc.net.au | Anna Levy

As 19-year-old Sara Glass sat across from a stranger in a hotel lobby in downtown Manhattan, she knew the rest of her life would be decided for her. Both raised in the Orthodox Gur sect of Hasidic Judaism, the pair had been set up by a matchmaker, who assessed their piety, financial assets and family standing. The meeting was almost entirely scripted and Glass, who was called Malka then, had no say in the matter.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Anna Levy

Tess Royale Clancy has made it their mission to "centre fat joy". The activist and advocate aims to reject the stigma associated with living in a fat body and encourage support, confidence and community for "fat babes" via advocacy work and social events. But changing the conversation starts with changing the words used to describe bigger bodies. For example, the word "fat", which has long been used as an insult, has been reclaimed by Clancy and other activists, who use it with pride.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Anna Levy

On Sunday May 18, world leaders and high-profile clergy attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. Catholics around the world watched the proceedings, which were televised live. After a formal procession, the new pope was presented with the pallium — a special garment reserved for the highest clergy — and the papal ring to mark the beginning of his pontificate.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Anna Levy

Pope Leo XIV used his first address as pontiff, spoken from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on May 8, to call for "a peace that is unarmed and disarming". Three days later, he reiterated the message during his first Sunday blessing, appealing to the world's major powers for "no more war" and referencing the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, India and Pakistan. It's a strong message that echoes the values of his predecessor, the "progressive" Pope Francis.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Anna Levy

This morning, Australians woke to find a new pope had been elected. Just after 6pm local time, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as tens of thousands of Catholic faithful watched from St Peter's Square. After two days and three votes, the 133 cardinals in the conclave chose 69-year-old US-born Robert Prevost, a surprising choice to many. Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV, is the first ever American pope.