International News

News from outside of Canada.

Bill banning circumcision in Iceland a threat to religious freedom, Cardinal Marx says

February 8, 2018

A new bill proposed in Iceland that would make circumcision punishable by up to six years in prison is a “dangerous attack” on religious freedom, Cardinal Reinhard Marx has said.

Two ex-managers of Vatican bank ordered to pay damages for mismanagement

February 7, 2018

VATICAN – A Vatican court found two former top managers of the Vatican bank liable for mismanagement and ordered an injunction for them to pay damages.

Pope Francis sends condolences to victims of Taiwan quake

February 7, 2018

VATICAN – After a massive earthquake and a string of aftershocks in Taiwan killed at least seven and injured hundreds more, Pope Francis Wednesday sent a telegram assuring of his prayer for the victims and those engaged in rescue efforts.

China is a model of Catholic social teaching, protector of human dignity, bishop says

February 6, 2018

VATICAN – The chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has said that China is exercising global moral leadership in the principles of Catholic social teaching and defense of human dignity.

Church helps people in Colombia reconcile after 52 years of conflict

February 5, 2018

UNITED NATIONS – In the complex peace process now underway in Colombia after 52 years of violent conflict, the Catholic Church works on many levels to replace a culture of violence with one of encounter.

Pope received letter reporting Bishop Barros in 2015, sex abuse survivor says

February 5, 2018

VATICAN – A Chilean survivor of sexual abuse says that he wrote a letter to Pope Francis in 2015, claiming that Bishop Juan Barros of Chile witnessed abuse perpetrated by his friend, Father Fernando Karadima, and that the Pope failed to act on the letter.

Stop loan sharks with fair lending options, frugal lifestyles, Pope says

February 5, 2018

VATICAN – Usury is a grave sin that must be fought by building more just and humane economic and financial systems as well as by teaching people to live within their means, Pope Francis said.

Pope announces day of prayer, fasting for Congo and South Sudan

February 5, 2018

VATICAN – On Sunday Pope Francis announced that Friday the first full week of Lent would be a day of prayer and fasting for peace given the many ongoing conflicts throughout the world, particularly those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.

Report: Situation of persecuted Christians 'deteriorating'

February 3, 2018

There has been some positive news on the global religious freedom front over the last two years, but it is still far from peaceful.

Cardinal Farrell removes LGBT advocates from Vatican-hosted conference

February 3, 2018

VATICAN – Cardinal Kevin Farrell has reportedly barred several speakers set to address an annual women's event inside the Vatican over concerns about their LGBT positions, prompting organizers to find another venue.