International News

News from outside of Canada.

Ukraine's religious leaders warn Russia will attack Europe if not halted, held accountable

Gina Christian · December 3, 2025

As Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians accompany U.S.-brokered peace talks that as of Dec. 3 produced no breakthrough, Ukraine's religious leaders warn that failure to halt Russia and hold it accountable will expand the war to Europe.

Pope Leo visits famous Istanbul mosque but does not pause to pray

Cindy Wooden · December 1, 2025

Pope Leo XIV, like his two immediate predecessors, visited the so-called Blue Mosque in Turkey's capital; he spent about 20 minutes inside but did not appear to pause for prayer as Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis had done.

Catholic bishops offer prayers for National Guard members shot in DC

Gina Christian · November 28, 2025

Catholic bishops are offering prayers following the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in the nation's capital Nov. 26.

Hong Kong diocese mourns 100+ fire victims

OSV News · November 28, 2025

The Diocese of Hong Kong is calling for prayer and mourning after a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po left at least 128 people dead and around 200 still missing.

Pope Leo urges 'immediately release' of kidnapped children and teachers after gunmen abduct over 300 in a Nigerian Catholic school

Ngala Killian Chimton · November 24, 2025

During the Nov. 23 Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV appealed for the release of over 300 children and teachers abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria.

Caribbean bishops plead for peace amid US strikes, military buildup

Gina Christian · November 12, 2025

Catholic bishops in the Caribbean are calling for dialogue, cooperation and calm amid rising geopolitical tensions that have seen a U.S. military buildup in the region.

Diocese in Nigeria mourns following death of kidnapped teen seminarian

Junno Arocho Esteves · November 7, 2025

The Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, announced the death of a young seminarian who, along with two fellow seminarians, was kidnapped by bandits in July.

After Hurricane Melissa 'left a trail of heartbreak,' faith and action bring healing

Gina Christian · November 6, 2025

In Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa "has left a trail of heartbreak across our beloved island," said the Diocese of Montego Bay, and now parishes, schools and other communities throughout the Caribbean are seeking help as they begin the arduous task of rebuilding and healing after the deadly storm.

Nigerian bishop praises Trump's defence of Christians

Quinton Amundson · November 4, 2025

Persecuted Nigerian Christians are embracing U.S. President Donald Trump's designation of their homeland a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) as a long-desired answer to their anguished prayers.

'Death has not the last word': El Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life

Maria del Pilar Guzman · November 1, 2025

A vibrant holiday chiefly celebrated throughout Mexico and parts of the Southwestern U.S., "El Día de los Muertos" (The Day of the Dead), is a time of profound joy, not sorrow, as it commemorates the lives of loved ones no longer here, weaving together Catholic beliefs and practices with ancient Indigenous views on the afterlife.