Anna Levy

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

Early reports indicate a much lower death toll than previous years at this year's Hajj pilgrimage, in which Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The annual pilgrimage, which took place from June 4 to 9, is an essential right of passage for those of the Muslim faith, but has historically resulted in thousands of fatalities due to extreme heat and crowd crushes.

3 weeks 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.

4 weeks 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.

1 month 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.

1 month 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.