International News

News from outside of Canada.

Texas bishops urge prayers, vigilance in wake of bombings

March 21, 2018

AUSTIN, Texas – As police investigated a series of package explosions in central Texas that killed two people and injured four others, two of the state's bishops said their thoughts and prayers were with the victims and families and friends of those victimized by the explosions.

Allowing young people to be part of decision-making will change the world, African youths say

March 21, 2018

VATICAN – If the Catholic Church at every level – and governments, too – would listen to young people and give them a voice in decision-making, they could unleash great potential, said two African young adults.

Pope accepts resignation of communications prefect

March 21, 2018

VATICAN – After a very public controversy involving the use of a letter by retired Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Msgr. Dario Vigano as prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for Communication.

Vatican taps top architects to create chapels for Venice festival

March 20, 2018

VATICAN – For its debut at the "Biennale di Venezia" International Architecture Exhibition, the Vatican commissioned 10 renowned architects from around the world to turn a small wooded plot on an island in the Venetian lagoon into a spiritual-artistic pilgrimage of chapels.

Pope to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass in Rome prison

March 20, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis once again will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper in a prison and will wash the feet of 12 inmates.

Disgraced cardinal from Scotland dies at 80

March 20, 2018

VATICAN – Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned five years ago as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh after admitting to sexual misconduct, died early March 19 at the age of 80.

Pope ordains three new nuncios, including Canadian

March 19, 2018

VATICAN – Celebrating the feast of St. Joseph, Pope Francis ordained three new bishops who will serve as papal nuncios, or ambassadors.

Pope asks youths to help rejuvenate Church; youths ask Church to listen

March 19, 2018

ROME – The Catholic Church needs the enthusiasm, daring and hope of young people so that it can preach the Gospel energetically and respond to the questions men and women raise today, Pope Francis told some 300 young adults.

Priest stirs up Twitter with celibacy defence

March 17, 2018

There’s no doubt that Fr. Harrison Ayre believes in the beauty of priestly celibacy.

Colombian bishops seek more solidarity with Venezuelan refugees

March 17, 2018

BOGOTA, Colombia – Bishops in Colombia are calling on officials, parishes and the international community to increase efforts to help Venezuelan migrants, who are leaving their country at the rate of at least 50,000 people per month.