International News

News from outside of Canada.

Be inspired by Mary, Christ's first lay disciple, Pope tells laypeople

May 10, 2018

VATICAN – During a quick morning visit to Tuscany, Pope Francis praised two lay communities there that are dedicated to living out the Gospel values of reciprocal love and cooperation.

Embezzlement trial of former Vatican bank official begins

May 10, 2018

VATICAN – The Vatican has accused a former director of the Vatican bank and his lawyer of money laundering and embezzlement, saying the men skimmed an estimated 57 million euros (about $68 million) off profits from the sale of Vatican properties.

Mexican priest proposed as possible human rights chief

May 10, 2018

MEXICO – The front-runner in Mexico's presidential election said, if he wins July 1, he would appoint an activist priest as his human rights director.

Vietnamese nuns attacked protesting construction on disputed land

May 10, 2018

HANOI, Vietnam – St. Paul de Chartres sisters in Vietnam were attacked by construction site guards while they were protesting the building of a house on their former land. One nun was beaten to unconsciousness, reported ucanews.com.

Religious freedom efforts in the spotlight as North Korean prisoners freed

May 9, 2018

WASHINGTON – The release of three American prisoners from North Korea was hailed as an important first step in addressing abuses within the nation, as U.S. leaders call for a continued expansion of religious freedom initiatives in U.S. foreign policy.

Burundi's bishops say people live in fear, afraid to vote honestly

May 9, 2018

BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Catholic bishops in Burundi have criticized an upcoming referendum on constitutional reform, warning that voters will be too afraid to express their views.

Central Africa religious leaders announce three days of prayer

May 9, 2018

BANGUI, Central African Republic – Christian and Muslim leaders in the Central African Republic have accused foreign states of complicity in a May 1 gun and grenade attack on a Catholic Mass and announced coordinated prayers for peace and reconciliation in its churches and mosques.

London waste company discovers relic of St. Clement in the trash

May 8, 2018

LONDON, England – London waste company discovers relic of St Clement in the trash

Pope Francis praises retired Pope Benedict's writings on faith and politics

May 8, 2018

VATICAN – For more than 50 years, the writings of retired Pope Benedict XVI on the relationship between faith and politics have insisted that the measure of human freedom is the extent to which each person acknowledges being dependent on the love of God, Pope Francis wrote.

Pope calls dicastery to promote reflection on role of women

May 8, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis has updated the statutes of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, adding among other things a specific reference to the office's responsibility for promoting a deeper reflection on the role of women in the church and society.