International News

News from outside of Canada.

Philosopher who backs legal abortion joins Vatican pro-life academy

June 14, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Philosopher Nigel Biggar, who backs legal abortion, is among the 45 new appointments to the Pontifical Academy for Life, according to a statement on the Vatican website.

Church destroyed, Christians detained in China's Henan province

June 14, 2017

SHANGQIU – Local authorities in China’s Henan province reportedly destroyed a Christian church building last month, beating parishioners who tried to stop the demolition and detaining 40, the group China Aid says.

Orlando Catholics remember nightclub shooting victims on anniversary

June 13, 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. – On the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, the Diocese of Orlando broadcast via Facebook Live a prayer service attended by clergy of various faiths to remember June 12 the 49 who died during the largest mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history.

9th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds injunction on Trump's travel ban

June 13, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO – The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a White House request to overturn an injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order banning travel from six Muslim-majority countries.

Dozens of immigration arrests stun Detroit's Chaldean Catholics

June 13, 2017

DETROIT, Mich. – Dozens of Chaldean Christians were arrested by federal immigration officials over the weekend in the Detroit metropolitan area, leaving the local Church community with sadness and frustration.

Death of prelate illustrates complicated situation of bishops in China

June 13, 2017

HONG KONG – A Chinese bishop who avoided government intervention in the affairs of his diocese died without having his Vatican-appointed successor officially ordained, illustrating some of the complications of the situation of bishops in China.

Pope to Latin America: Migrant crises require focus on reality, dialogue, commitment

June 13, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis sent a letter last week to the Latin American Parliament as they discuss migration in the region, encouraging governments to protect all who reside in their territory regardless of their origin.

News that Pope will not visit South Sudan prompts renewed call for peace

June 12, 2017

JUBA, South Sudan – The news that Pope Francis will not be able to visit South Sudan this year prompted the nation's bishops to voice reassurances that a future visit is possible, and ask for a renewed commitment to peace.

South African Council of Churches calls for dissolution of parliament

June 12, 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Following its own findings of severe corruption in government, the South African Council of Churches called for the dissolving of parliament and new general elections.

Philippine bishop: Marital law makes farce of Independence Day

June 12, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – Martial law in the southern Philippines and security forces' clashes with a local terrorist group in Mindanao made a mockery of Independence Day celebrations June 12, said a Philippine bishop.