News/International

Activists of the collective Yellow Safety Jacket take part in an anti-euthanasia protest Feb. 11, 2014, in Brussels.

Belgian Catholics concerned about abuse of country's euthanasia law

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OXFORD, England – Catholics in Belgium are concerned the country's euthanasia law is being abused to kill patients without legal checks and safeguards.
Two-year-old Evanston, whose family stated they are from Haiti, watches as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer pats down his mother before the two cross the U.S.-Canada into Quebec Aug. 29, 2018.

Trump comments 'harsh, offensive,' Vatican newspaper says

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VATICAN – In its continuing coverage of the U.S. immigration debate, the Vatican newspaper noted media reports that President Donald Trump "used particularly harsh and offensive words about immigrants" from several countries.
Two same-sex partners exchange wedding bands during a 2017 ceremony at the civil registry office in Munich.

German bishop urges church debate on blessing same-sex unions

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OSNABRUCK, Germany – The vice president of the German bishops' conference has urged a debate on whether Catholic clergy should bless same-sex unions.
A Christian fighter displays a holy card in his vest Nov. 2016 in Mosul, Iraq.

Christians in Middle East face risky year

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OTTAWA – As the new year dawns, the prospect of a peaceful future for Christians in the Middle East seems as remote as ever.
A Palestinian hurls a stone toward Israeli troops during a clash near the West Bank city of Nablus Dec. 29. Demonstrations are against President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Middle East leaders increase efforts to fight U.S. decision on Jerusalem

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AMMAN, Jordan – Church and political leaders in the Middle East are intensifying efforts to combat U.S. President Donald Trump's unilateral decision declaring Jerusalem as Israel's capital and plans to move the U.S. embassy there.
Pilgrims climb to touch the Black Nazarene during Jan. 7 procession in Manila, Philippines. The wooden statue, carved in Mexico and brought to the Philippine capital in the early 17th century, is cherished by Catholics, who believe that touching it can lead to a miracle.

Understanding the fierce devotion behind the Black Nazarene

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MANILA, Philippines – For over four centuries, a historical and iconic miraculous statue of Jesus Christ carrying his Cross has become an emblem of passion, struggle and faith for Filipino Catholics.

A cholera prevention sign hangs on a street wall in Lusaka, Zambia.

Zambia bans church services as cholera epidemic hits nation

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LUSAKA, Zambia – As a cholera epidemic threatens the lives of more than 14 million Zambians, the country has banned church services and other gatherings in the Lusaka's high-density residential areas.
Pope Francis meets diplomats accredited to the Holy See during an annual meeting at the Vatican Jan. 8.

Pope to diplomats: World peace depends on right to life, disarmament

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VATICAN – Because everyone has a right to life, liberty and personal security, nations must find nonviolent solutions to conflict and difficulties, Pope Francis said.
A government protester hides behind a shield in Caracas, Venezuela, June 7. “The year 2017 was very tragic for Venezuela, marked by political violence with a terrible toll of more than 120 persons killed in attacks on demonstrations held by the people,” read the message of Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino.

Venezuelan cardinal calls for transparent elections to resolve crisis

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CARACAS, Venezuela – In his New Year’s message, the Archbishop of Caracas encouraged transparent elections the results of which the citizenry could trust, in order to alleviate the grave crisis affecting the country.
Children of Holy Family Chaldean Catholic Mission read about first Communion during a class in Phoenix, Arizona, March 25, 2017.

Parents must be involved in child's education, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN – On Friday Pope Francis said education is a family matter, and rather than contradicting one another, parents and teachers must collaborate openly and constructively to form children in core values which enable them to face modern challenges.
People walk near a banner with an image of Pope Francis on the facade of the cathedral in Lima, Peru, Jan. 3. Pope Francis assures his prayers and spiritual closeness to the wounded of the Pasamayo bus tragedy just weeks before his visit to Peru and Chile starting Jan. 15.

Pope Francis prays for victims of tragic bus accident in Peru

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VATICAN – On Thursday Pope Francis offered his prayer for the 48 people who died in a massive bus accident in Pasamayo earlier this week, voicing words of comfort to families of the victims and all who were wounded.
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