Canadian Muslims given papal close-up
ROME – A delegation of Canadian Muslims experienced a dream come true Oct. 24 when they met Pope Francis after his weekly Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Immigration driving rise in religion in Canada
OTTAWA – A new survey shows Canada’s high levels of immigration are making the country more religious and heightening the need to respect religion’s place in the public square, says Andrew Bennett, Canada’s former ambassador for religious freedom.
Pope prays for dialogue, reconciliation in Jerusalem
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called on Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land to "moderation and dialogue" as tensions continued around a key site in Jerusalem that is sacred to members of both faiths.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Catholic bishops appealed for a "return to normalcy and peace ... as soon as possible," as violence continues in the southern part of the country.
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesian Catholics have made a greater-than-usual effort to help Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr this year amid heightened religious tensions in the country, reported ucanews.com.
VATICAN CITY – Missionaries are entrusted with bringing hope to poor Christian communities while building bridges with Muslims and protecting human rights, Pope Francis told a group of men and women missionaries.
MOSUL, Iraq – As government forces pry apart the Islamic State's three yearlong grip on Mosul, Muslims and Christians have united to rebuild a damaged monastery.
AMMAN, Jordan – Pope Francis' historic, 72-hour visit to Cairo has left a profound mark on Egyptians, Catholic leaders said, as they anticipate increased ties with fellow Orthodox Christians and Muslims.
A surge in vandalism and hate speech against Jews and Muslims has prompted a call for the revival of a national platform for Christian-Jewish or Christian-Muslim dialogue.
Toronto protesters join worldwide outrage against U.S. refugee ban
About 1,000 protesters descended on the American consulate in Toronto on Jan. 30 to protest a U.S. executive order that establishes a temporary ban on immigrants to the U.S. from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
Canada’s Christians lag behind on education levels
Canada’s Christian population is less educated than Canadian Jews, Muslims, Hindus and even those who have no religious affiliation.
Italian priest cancels Nativity display to avoid offending people
MILAN, Italy – An Italian priest is under fire from locals for deciding against setting up the typical Nativity scene in his town’s cemetery this year, Italian news source Corriere della Sera reported on Friday.