International News

News from outside of Canada.

Amid rising tension between Church and government, two churches desecrated in Nicaragua

July 26, 2018

JINOTEGA, Nicaragua – Two churches in the Diocese of Jinotega in northern Nicaragua have been desecrated in the past week, amid rising tensions between the Church and the government of president Daniel Ortega.

Belgium euthanized three children in the past two years

July 26, 2018

BRUSSELS, Belgium – A recent government report revealed that in 2016 and 2017, three minors were euthanized in Belgium, amid a profound rise in the number of individuals legally procuring their own deaths.

'Bishop of the Wheelchair' seen as a good shepherd for ex-Khmer Rouge

July 25, 2018

BATTAMBANG, Cambodia – Within weeks of the collapse of the final remnants of the Khmer Rouge in late 1998, Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo visited some of the movement's last-standing cadres after hearing they needed assistance.

South Sudanese religious leaders say dialogue, trust critical to long-term peace

July 25, 2018

NAIROBI, Kenya – As South Sudanese peace negotiations tackled the last outstanding issues, church leaders called for genuine dialogue, healing and trust building, so that politicians have the will to implement a peace pact.

China's government-aligned bishops release 'Sinicization' plan

July 25, 2018

BEIJING, China – Continuing a controversial plan, Chinese bishops allied with the government have told dioceses to prepare local versions of a “Sinicization” program to bring the Catholic Church more in-line with the government’s understanding of Chinese culture, society and politics.

Chilean cardinal called to testify for suspected sex abuse cover-up

July 25, 2018

VATICAN – The Chilean prosecutor's office has issued a subpoena to Cardinal Riccardo Ezzati of Santiago regarding his role in the alleged cover-up of sexual abuse by members of the clergy.

Cardinal O'Malley: 'Specific actions' needed now to address claims against Cardinal McCarrick

July 25, 2018

BOSTON – Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley called for "three specific actions" to immediately address allegations of sexual abuse of minors and "sexual improprieties" with seminarians made against Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, starting with "a fair and rapid adjudication of these accusations."

Cardinal Tagle laments deaths of innocent people in Philippines

July 24, 2018

MANILA, Philippines – A teary-eyed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila lamented the deaths of innocent people killed since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

Cardinal Farrell 'shocked' over Cardinal McCarrick sex abuse case

July 24, 2018

VATICAN – Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, head of the Vatican office for laity and family, said he was "shocked" when he heard allegations of years of sexual abuse and harassment by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, the man who ordained him a bishop and whom he served as an auxiliary bishop for six years.

New revelation surfaces about 'Uncle Ted', Cardinal McCarrick

July 23, 2018

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Editorials in national Catholic publications have taken the U.S. Catholic Church to task for its failure to root out all forms of clergy sexual abuse in the light of allegations made by former seminarians against Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington.