International News

News from outside of Canada.

Vatican issues new rules for communities of contemplative nuns

May 15, 2018

VATICAN – The Vatican released an instruction with new norms for contemplative orders of nuns, encouraging cooperation among their monasteries and outlining procedures for communities left with only a few members.

'Selfie' culture leads to alienation, departure from reality, Pope says

May 15, 2018

ROME – While taking selfies can be an occasion to capture treasured memories, it can also be a sign that young men and women are deprived of meaningful human interaction with others, Pope Francis said.

Mourners line streets of Liverpool as Alfie Evans hearse passes

May 14, 2018

LIVERPOOL, England – Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Liverpool to pay tribute to Alfie Evans on the day of the toddler's funeral.

Dozens killed in protests as U.S. embassy inaugurated in Jerusalem

May 14, 2018

JERUSALEM – As the new United States embassy was inaugurated in Jerusalem May 14, violence broke out between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers.

Chilean bishop says mistakes were made in handling abuse cases

May 14, 2018

VATICAN – A Chilean bishop acknowledged the damage inflicted on survivors of clerical sex abuse and the mishandling of cases by church leaders in the country.

Pope Francis prays for victims of deadly church attacks in Indonesia

May 14, 2018

VATICAN – After multiple bombings at churches in Indonesia left 11 dead dozens more injured, Pope Francis prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died and asked God to bring an end to hatred and violence.

Young people in the church need to be heard, not silenced, Pope says

May 14, 2018

VATICAN – The Catholic Church must not keep young men and women at a distance, but instead must learn to listen to them, Pope Francis said.

Pope wants bishops to take responsibility for abuse scandal

May 14, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis called the bishops of Chile to the Vatican to "examine the causes and consequences" of the clerical sexual abuse scandal and acknowledge personal responsibility and "the mechanisms that in some cases led to a cover up and serious omissions regarding the victims," the Vatican said.

Christian persecution urgently calls churches to seek unity, Pope says

May 11, 2018

VATICAN – Seeking Christian unity is more urgent than ever because of the ongoing persecution of Christians, Pope Francis told an Orthodox leader.

German bishops release marriage prep document based on 'Amoris Laetitia'

May 10, 2018

The German bishops' conference has published a document containing key points for marriage preparation based on Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, "Amoris Laetitia."