International News

News from outside of Canada.

Names in redacted grand jury report on abuse can't be released, Pennsylvania high court says

December 5, 2018

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In a 6-1 decision Dec. 3, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said the identities of some clergy accused of abuse that were redacted from a grand jury report issued in mid-August must remain permanently blocked from release.

Papal Lamborghini up for raffle; winner gets trip to Rome

December 4, 2018

VATICAN – A custom-built 2018 Lamborghini Huracan coupe autographed by Pope Francis is back on the block, but, this time with an online fundraising platform, not at an elite European auction house.

Gene-editing human embryos 'a train wreck of a thing to do', ethicist says

December 4, 2018

WASHINGTON – The revelation in late November that a Chinese researcher had edited genes in human embryos and then implanted them in a woman was "a train wreck of a thing to do," said an ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

Still time to curb worst effects of global warming, says climate scientist

December 4, 2018

PHILADELPHIA – An internationally renowned pioneer in climate science and climate change research, in an address at Villanova University, said that rather than "finger-pointing" about the causes of global warming, people need take collective action to slow the process.

We stand before the 'challenge of civilization', Cardinal Parolin says at U.N. Climate Change Conference

December 4, 2018

The Vatican challenged countries gathered for the 24th U.N. Climate Change Conference to focus on the needs of the present and the future as it worked to take swift action.

Ukrainians have 'sacred duty' to defend against Russian aggression, bishops say

December 3, 2018

KYIV, Ukraine – In a message marking the anniversary of their country's December 1991 referendum on independence from the Soviet Union, Ukrainian Catholic bishops said Ukrainians had a "right and sacred duty" to defend themselves against "Russian aggression," but should also avoid yielding to alarm and panic.

Pope Francis, President Abbas hope to restart peace process between Israel, Palestine

December 3, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas renewed their commitment to peace in the Holy Land and a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Vatican said.

Americans mourn death of 41st president, recalls life of public service

December 3, 2018

WASHINGTON – When he was running for re-election in 1992, President George H.W. Bush told Catholic News Service that he believed that a strong religious faith could provide "an extra shot of strength when you need it."

'Religiously illiterate West' fuels rise in religious persecution

November 30, 2018

OTTAWA – The West is turning a blind eye as rabid nationalism poses a growing threat to religious freedom in countries such as India, Russia and China, says a new report from Aid to the Church in Need.

Thai crackdown on refugees targets Pakistani Christians

November 30, 2018

In a secret location, under the watchful guard of Pakistan’s military, Asia Bibi and her family are hoping Canada or some other country will take them in before gangs searching from house to house discover her.