International News

News from outside of Canada.

Notre Dame vs. Villanova in Rome: When Catholic loyalties collide, who gets the cheers?

John Knebels · October 30, 2026

For Catholic basketball fans, an upcoming contest between the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University in the Eternal City might present something of a spiritual dilemma.

Spain and its Church in shock, grief after high-speed train collision leaves dozens dead

OSV News · October 29, 2026

The Church in Spain expressed its sorrow and solidarity with the victims of an Oct. 28 train accident between Urda and Los Yébenes, near the historic town of Toledo, entrusting the deceased, the injured and their families to prayer.

For 800 years, they kept the prayers going; now Benedictine nuns face a $1 million deadline

Katarzyna Szalajko · October 29, 2026

A community of Benedictine nuns in southern Poland has launched an urgent appeal to raise $1 million to complete a heritage preservation project at their 800-year-old abbey by Dec. 31, warning that failure could force it to repay millions in European Union funding.

Ethiopian Orthodox leaders call for justice, protection after 60 Christians killed in attacks

Junno Arocho Esteves · October 27, 2026

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church called on the Ethiopian government to intervene after armed assailants killed 60 Orthodox Christians in two separate attacks.

Vatican diplomat warns UN of arms race in space, calls for ban on all space weapons

Gina Christian · October 26, 2026

As space-based technologies and exploration expand, the Vatican's top diplomat at the United Nations is warning against the militarization of outer space -- and the lack of a sufficiently strong legal framework to counter such a threat.

Jordan reels after terrorist attack on church, King vows 'harshest retaliation'

Dale Gavlak · October 26, 2026

Church bells rang out at noon across Jordan Oct 24 in remembrance of the victims of a massacre in the kingdom's south that killed eight people and wounded 40 others during a funeral service the day before.

Denver archbishop asks prominent exorcist to step out of media spotlight for 1 year

Gina Christian · October 20, 2026

A priest known for his high-profile exorcism ministry has been asked by a Colorado archbishop to step back from the spotlight.

Pope Leo urges Ukraine-Russia humanitarian cooperation

Junno Arocho Esteves · October 20, 2026

Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that Ukraine and Russia will cooperate on humanitarian aid and evacuations for civilians in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, the Vatican said.

French bishops condemn 'unacceptable violence' as riots sweep nation

Caroline de Sury · October 19, 2026

France's bishops condemned "unacceptable violence" that "gripped" the country over the Oct. 17-18 weekend.

Another priest is kidnapped amid Nigeria's security crisis

Fredrick Nzwili · October 17, 2026

Catholic leaders in Nigeria's Diocese of Otukpo are appealing for prayers following the kidnapping of Father John Inalegwu Otache, pastor of St. Margaret Parish in Ajegbe–Awume.