International News

News from outside of Canada.

Ohio bishops: Replace death penalty with mercy, conversion

July 27, 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Catholic leaders in Ohio stressed the need to replace the death penalty with mercy and spiritual conversion, following the execution of convicted child murderer Ronald Phillips.

Court to decide if Charlie Gard's parents can take him home

July 26, 2017

LONDON, England – After ending their legal fight to seek further treatment for their 11-month-old son, the parents of Charlie Gard are now in a dispute with Great Ormond Street Hospital over whether they may take the boy home to live out his final days.

Cardinal Pell faces Australian court on sex abuse charges

July 26, 2017

MELBOURNE, Australia – Silent but defiant, Cardinal George Pell made his first court appearance in Australia on Wednesday (July 26) on charges of sexual abuse, vowing through his lawyer to fight the allegations that have rocked Rome and threatened the Pope's image as a crusader against abusive clergy.

U.S. bishop urges Senate to remedy health care after vote to proceed

July 25, 2017

WASHINGTON – After the Senate voted July 25 to proceed with the health care debate, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, urged senators of both parties to "work together to advance changes that serve the common good."

New York court says church has right to hire employees who 'advance faith'

July 25, 2017

NEW YORK – A court ruling that the New York Archdiocese did not discriminate against a school principal when it did not renew her contract affirms "the freedom of a church to decide who will serve as its religious leaders," said the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Catholics oppose buffer zone around Kentucky's last abortion clinic

July 25, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Pro-life activists in the Archdiocese of Louisville have spoken out against a city ordinance which resulted in the creation of a temporary buffer zone outside Kentucky's only facility where abortions can be procured.

Mexican bishops don't see explosion as attack on church

July 25, 2017

MEXICO CITY – An anarchist group calling itself "Informal Feminist Commando of Anti-Authoritarian Action Coatlicue" has claimed credit for detonating an explosive device outside the Mexican bishops' conference offices.

CRS worker: Churches attacked, crisis worsens in Central African Republic

July 25, 2017

OXFORD, England – A Catholic aid worker warned of a worsening crisis in the Central African Republic, as church centers are attacked and more armed groups fight over territory and resources.

Abductions of two priests in Congo a growing concern

July 25, 2017

(RNS) — The abduction of two Catholic priests in Congo is raising concern over the number of hostages held by local militias in the troubled country.

Christians need time to rebuild trust before return to Mosul region

July 25, 2017

AMMAN, Jordan – As some Iraqi Christians make a slow return to the region around Mosul following the defeat of the Islamic State group, many say it will take time to rebuild their lives and even longer to rebuild their trust of those who betrayed them.