International News

News from outside of Canada.

Chinese bishop detained briefly during Holy Week

March 28, 2018

HONG KONG – A Chinese bishop was taken away by authorities but was back home the next day, according to a news report.

Dream come true: Boy meets Pope and rides popemobile

March 28, 2018

VATICAN – While many people hope to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and greet him, 12-year-old Peter Lombardi got something even better than he imagined.

World’s youth lay out hopes at pre-synod meeting

March 27, 2018

Young people are ready and willing to be leaders in the Church, said youth delegates at an unprecedented pre-synodal meeting of young people in Rome.

No Holy Week observance planned in war-torn Philippine city

March 27, 2018

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no Holy Week observance this year in Marawi almost a year after extremist gunmen occupied the southern Philippine city.

U.S., world urged to help Jordan aid refugees, end Syrian civil war

March 26, 2018

SOUTHERN SHUNEH, Jordan – The United States has a responsibility to help Jordan as it struggles to support hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and must actively seek to end Syria's long civil war, American human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy told a conference on forced migration.

Like St. Joseph, police protect pilgrims from danger, Pope says

March 26, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the men and women who work day in and day out protecting him and millions of pilgrims who visit St. Peter's Basilica each year.

Pope praises French policeman who gave his life to save hostage

March 26, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis joined leaders praising a French police officer who "gave his life out of a desire to protect people" during a terrorist attack.

U.S. Catholic school students join peers in march against gun violence

March 24, 2018

WASHINGTON – In the parish hall of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, elders handed markers to younger members of the parish as they filled in posters with the Gospel-based message from the Book of Isaiah that they wanted others to see at the March for Our Lives event the next day: "And the children will lead us."

Young people ask for a humble Church, welcoming and merciful

March 24, 2018

VATICAN – Young people want to know they are valued members of the Catholic Church and that their questions and struggles are taken seriously enough that someone will spend time with them discussing issues rather than simply repeating "prefabricated" responses, said delegates to a meeting in Rome.

China's Communist Party overhaul includes religious affairs control

March 23, 2018

HONG KONG – China's ruling Communist Party has further stepped up control over all religions, dissolving its long-standing State Administration for Religious Affairs bureau and handing its functions to the party's United Front Work Department.