International News

News from outside of Canada.

Mass of reparation offered at St. Patrick's Cathedral after 'scandalous' funeral, rector says

Gina Christian · February 20, 2024

Two days after St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City was filled with mourners for an irreverent "homecoming" funeral for a prominent activist who identified as transgender, the cathedral's rector acknowledged that many people "have let us know they share our outrage over the scandalous behavior" that took place at the service.

Argentine president meets with Pope Francis at Vatican

Justin McLellan · February 12, 2024

Months after throwing verbal jabs at Pope Francis along the campaign train, Argentine President Javier Milei brought smiles and cookies to the Vatican for his highly anticipated meeting with the pope Feb. 12.

Not appropriate to bless same-sex couples in Africa, bishops say

Carol Glatz · January 11, 2024

Reaffirming their fidelity to the pope and the Gospel, Catholic bishops in Africa have released a common response to a recent Vatican declaration, saying they "generally prefer" not to offer blessings to same-sex couples.

Thousands gather in Sydney for Cardinal Pell's memorial Mass

Marilyn Rodrigues · January 11, 2024

Thousands gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney in memory of a man they loved for his vision and "big heart" a year after his death in Rome.

Wisconsin judge suspends criminal case against McCarrick

OSV News · January 11, 2024

A Wisconsin judge has suspended a criminal case against former cardinal Theodore McCarrick Jan. 10, citing incompetency. McCarrick had been charged with fourth-degree sexual assault for abuse that allegedly took place in 1977.

Poland's bishops pledge dialogue with new government; others see conflict ahead for church

Jonathan Luxmoore · January 10, 2024

Poland's bishops have pledged dialogue with their country's new liberal government, but leading Catholics warned that government plans for rapid secularizing change could spark conflict as the ruling coalition plans to limit religious classes in public schools and abolish the state Church Fund.

'No' to same-sex blessings, say two Eastern Catholic bishops

Gina Christian · January 9, 2024

The apostolic administrator of Toronto’s Byzantine Catholic Eparchy has joined with a Ukrainian archbishop in rejecting a controversial Vatican document on pastoral blessings for same-sex couples and other unmarried couples.

Hong Kong Catholic Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty in national security trial

Barb Fraze · January 4, 2024

Prominent Hong Kong Catholic, philanthropist and media mogul Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty to endangering national security in a trial that democracy advocates around the world said includes bogus charges.

Argentine church stops receiving state funding

David Agren · January 4, 2024

Argentina's Catholic Church will no longer receive public funding, concluding a process established by the country's bishops' conference for the church to provide its own financing.

Nicaraguan regime publishes photos of Bishop Álvarez as US demands release of imprisoned bishop, other clergy

David Agren · January 4, 2024

The U.S. Department of State has demanded the release of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa and other imprisoned Nicaraguan religious leaders following a wave of detentions targeting Catholic clergy over the Christmas season.