International News

News from outside of Canada.

Thousands of Christians gather at famed Bangladesh shrine despite anxiety of election violence

Stephan Uttom Rozario · February 10, 2026

About 40,000 devotees gathered at St. Anthony's shrine in Bangladesh despite fears of violence ahead of national elections, praying for peace in the Muslim-majority nation where Christians make up less than 1% of the population.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen beatification advances after 6-year pause

OSV News · February 9, 2026

The Diocese of Peoria announced Vatican approval for the beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, the renowned 20th-century evangelist known as 'God's microphone,' ending a six-year delay caused by controversies over his remains and concerns about his tenure as Rochester's bishop.

Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20-year imprisonment

Junno Arocho Esteves · February 9, 2026

Media entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, whose arrest nearly six years ago prompted outrage around the world, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Catholics urged to leave 'hesitation at the door,’ visit Holy Land

Junno Arocho Esteves · February 8, 2026

Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, is urging pilgrims to return to a land nearly devoid of pilgrims over the last two years not only as an opportunity to be where Christ was, but also as a sign of solidarity with Christians in the area whose livelihoods depend on pilgrims.

Religious sisters' organization in Ireland has fought human trafficking for 20 years

Sarah Mac Donald · February 5, 2026

Act to Prevent Trafficking Ireland marks two decades of fighting modern slavery, raising awareness about human trafficking through education, survivor support, and international collaboration with religious sisters across Europe.

Shevchuk: Faith endures as Ukraine's source of hope as full-scale war

Katarzyna Szalajko · February 5, 2026

Nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, intensified Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure are deepening the country's humanitarian crisis.

Vatican secretary of state prioritized dialogue during Denmark visit, archbishop says

Junno Arocho Esteves · February 4, 2026

During his recent visit to Denmark, Cardinal Pietro Parolin declined an invitation to sign a joint declaration regarding Greenland's sovereignty, in the hopes of maintaining neutrality and fostering dialogue.

Traditionalist Society to consecrate new bishops in July without papal mandate

Junno Arocho Esteves · February 4, 2026

The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X announced it will consecrate new bishops July 1 without papal approval after Vatican communication broke down, a move that could result in automatic excommunication similar to the 1988 consecrations by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.

Historic restoration to begin at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity Grotto after 600 years

Judith Sudilovsky · February 3, 2026

For the first time in six centuries, restoration work will begin at the sacred grotto of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, where tradition holds Jesus was born. The project represents unprecedented cooperation among Christian denominations.

Pope Leo prays for thousands affected by disastrous floods in southern Africa

Fredrick Nzwili · February 2, 2026

As deadly floods devastate southern Africa, Pope Leo XIV offers prayers for victims while Catholic bishops urge international support for thousands affected by the climate change-related disaster that has killed hundreds and displaced thousands since late December.