International News

News from outside of Canada.

Our ecological crisis comes from exploiting the environment, neglecting the vulnerable, Pope says

June 7, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis said that when he was on the Greek island of Lesbos, "while enchanted by the scenery of the blue sky and sea, I was struck by the thought that such a beautiful sea had become a tomb for men, women and children who had for the most part sought only to escape inhumane conditions in their own homelands."

Ebola outbreak suspends church sacraments in Congo

June 7, 2018

OXFORD, England – The Catholic Church in Congo said emergency measures will remain indefinitely in place in parishes at risk of Ebola, and urged effective action against the disease by the government of President Joseph Kabila.

Pope sends birthday greetings to Latin American theologian, liberation theology co-founder

June 7, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis wished a happy 90th birthday to the "father of liberation theology" and thanked him for his contributions to the Catholic Church and his love for the poor.

Third Philippine priest shot since December

June 6, 2018

MANILA, Philippines – A Catholic priest who once served as chaplain of the Philippine National Police was wounded after a gun attack June 6 in Calamba City, about 25 miles from Manila.

Irish president apologizes to women sent to Magdalene laundries

June 6, 2018

DUBLIN – President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland described the treatment of women and children in state-controlled institutions managed by the Catholic Church as a "deep stain on Ireland's past."

Pope prays for victims of Guatemala volcano disaster

June 5, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis sent condolences to Guatemala after a horrific volcanic eruption left more than 60 people dead.

Hindu nationalists trample papal image, call for Christian-free India

June 5, 2018

NEW DELHI, India – Hindu nationalists trampled a photo of Pope Francis near Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi in a video calling for a Christian-free India which was recently posted online.

Pilgrims walk hundreds of miles to join Uganda martyrs day Mass

June 5, 2018

NAMUGONGO, Uganda – John Ole, 67, has a smile on his face, knowing he just completed a 300-mile trek on foot with hundreds of Catholic pilgrims to Namugongo from Uganda's northeast district of Arua to celebrate Uganda martyrs day.

Cardinal Obando Bravo, retired archbishop of Managua, dies at 92

June 4, 2018

VATICAN – Once honoured by his native Nicaragua as a "father of peace and reconciliation," Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo, retired archbishop of Managua, died June 3 at the age of 92.

Be responsible, avoid ideological warfare, Pope says to journalists

June 4, 2018

VATICAN – Journalists must meticulously uphold their craft of responsible reporting and not be tempted into partisan or ideological warfare, Pope Francis said.