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December 2018

December 5

Iraqi Dominican sister's story shows 'power of faith' in Middle East, Prince Charles says

December 5, 2018

LONDON – The heir to the British throne spoke of how he was deeply moved by the testimony of an Iraqi sister who fled Islamic State militants but has returned to the Ninevah Plain to help re-establish the Christian presence.

Foreign nuns, priests run up against new rules that have denied some residency in Canada

December 5, 2018

Sr. Vicky Nguyen was ready to profess her final vows this year and enter fully into the life of the Congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood, but one obstacle stood in her way. Her application for Canadian permanent residence was rejected.

As U.N. declaration turns 70, speakers warn about recognition of 'deeply troubling rights'

December 5, 2018

UNITED NATIONS – Seventy years after its adoption, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was lauded Dec. 4 as a seminal, yet imperfect achievement of the nascent United Nations.

December 6

Pope Francis to make historic visit to United Arab Emirates in February

December 6, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis will visit the United Arab Emirates next year, becoming the first Pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula, the Vatican announced.

Abortion provider gets $8 million from Canada, banned in two African nations

December 6, 2018

OTTAWA – Pro-life advocates are outraged following an announcement that Canada will grant $8 million to Marie Stopes International (MSI), the world’s largest abortion and abortifacient drug provider which is under investigation in two African nations for illegal activity.

Australian judge overturns former Adelaide archbishop's child sex abuse conviction

December 6, 2018

NEWCASTLE, Australia – An Australian judge overturned the conviction of Archbishop Philip Wilson, whom a lower court found guilty of failing to report allegations of child sexual abuse by a priest.

Catholic Women's League sees hope for change with jobs attestation, palliative care

December 6, 2018

OTTAWA – Changes may be coming to the controversial Canada Summer Jobs attestation requirement, concluded a delegation from the Catholic Women’s League after a series of meetings on Parliament Hill.

America's 43rd president remembers his late father as a 'great and noble man'

December 6, 2018

WASHINGTON – In the days since the Nov. 30 death of former President George H.W. Bush, several news outlets reported that some years ago he told family members that he doubted any one would come to his memorial when he died.

'We stand by you', remain steadfast, Middle East Catholic leaders say to youth

December 6, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Catholic leaders of the Middle East cautioned that the very existence of Christians in the region is threatened, but their faithful continue “to bear witness to the Lord Jesus amid a turbulent world interrupted by mighty waves.”

Brazil sees first livebirth after uterus transplant from deceased donor

December 6, 2018

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Researchers from Brazil announced Tuesday that a baby had been born to a mother who had received a transplanted uterus from a deceased woman.

Charles Lewis: Catholic books that top my Christmas list

December 6, 2018

I love making lists. It is how I fall asleep at night. Sometimes I try to name every baseball club and at least one player from each team, or think of 10 music albums I would bring with me should I ever be sent to an offshore penal colony or to the opera.

Parliament of World Religions relents, condemns nuclear weapons

December 6, 2018

Three weeks after its convention in Toronto, the Parliament of the World’s Religions has aligned itself with Pope Francis by issuing a statement that condemns the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Peter Stockland: Where do we stand with our rule of law?

December 6, 2018

Last summer, Ottawa constitutional lawyer Albertos Polizogopoulos and I were on Ottawa’s Sparks Street when we encountered a sign warning we were entering an abortion safe-access zone.

Pope Francis approves new laws governing Vatican City State to boost transparency

December 6, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis approved a new set of laws concerning the structure and governance of Vatican City State in an effort to simplify the many offices and activities of the world's smallest nation and to boost oversight, transparency and budgetary controls.

Editorial: Is this what we want?

December 6, 2018

As Parliament awaits the imminent arrival of a report on assisted suicide that may make a bad situation even worse, it’s worth noting some chilling stories from the first countries to legalize medically induced death. This could be our future.

New school program forms young disciples in Toronto

December 6, 2018

Coming from a public elementary school, Kayla Mia Adato was unsure what to expect when she attended the Young Disciples day retreat with 120 fellow students.

Government changing Canada Summer Jobs attestation in wake of controversy

December 6, 2018

OTTAWA – Canada’s Liberal government will change the controversial pro-abortion attestation on its Canada Summer Jobs applications for 2019, but some pro-life advocates are not impressed.

Speaking Out: Everything is on purpose

December 6, 2018

Finding the perfect parking spot, receiving a free coffee at work or just having a day in which you feel really great.

December 7

Vatican leads talks to expand testing, treatment of HIV-positive children

December 7, 2018

VATICAN – Responding to the deaths of tens of thousands of children from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses, the Vatican brought together physicians and representatives of drug companies and humanitarian agencies to strategize ways to improve care for children and adolescents who are HIV-positive.

Vatican urges adoption of global agreements on migration, refugees

December 7, 2018

VATICAN – Welcoming the finalization of global compacts on migration and on refugees, the Vatican urged nations to adopt the nonbinding agreements to protect people who are on the move and to promote their orderly acceptance in new countries.