International News

News from outside of Canada.

U.S. Bishops: Senate health care bill must respect life, be 'truly affordable'

June 2, 2017

WASHINGTON – Members of the U.S. Senate "have a grave obligation" to make sure their health care reform bill respects life, provides access to adequate health care "for all" and is "truly affordable," the chairmen of four U.S. bishops' committees said in a letter to senators released June 2.

Aid to the Church in Need's work in Iraq goes on despite war

June 2, 2017

Even as the fighting rages in Iraq, the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need is restoring damaged houses and helping displaced Christians return to their villages on the outskirts of Mosul, the country’s second largest city.

U.S. church leaders continue to ask for compassion toward immigrants

June 1, 2017

WASHINGTON – In early May, after the archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, made a statement about an executive order dealing with immigration, he seems to have received more than a few unhappy responses.

Catholic farmer ousted from Michigan market over same-sex marriage views

June 1, 2017

A Catholic farmer in Michigan is suing the city of East Lansing after he was barred from a municipal farmers market over his views on same-sex marriage.

Vatican soccer champs dedicate victory to Coptic Christians

June 1, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Upon winning the Vatican's annual soccer championship last week, the victorious team honored Christians in Egypt who have faced increasingly brutal persecution in recent years.

Ecumenical leaders call for context, nuance in Catholic-Lutheran dialogue

May 31, 2017

WASHINGTON – Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch, renowned for his ecumenical efforts, addressed a Washington gathering of Catholic and Lutheran leaders striving for unity.

Pope condemns 'abhorrent' Kabul suicide attack that killed 80

May 31, 2017

VATICAN CITY – After a major suicide bomb tore through a busy neighborhood in Kabul, killing at least 80 people, Pope Francis condemned the ‘brutal’ act, offering his prayers for the victims and for peace in the country.

Bishops in southern Mexico face threats from organized criminal group

May 31, 2017

MEXICO CITY – Bishops in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero have suffered threats from organized criminal groups as they serve a region rife with drug cartel activities and parishes located in impoverished indigenous communities where people eke out existences by cultivating opium poppies.

Ireland’s Sisters of Charity to give up three Dublin hospitals

May 31, 2017

DUBLIN, Ireland – Ireland's Sisters of Charity will end their management of three Dublin hospitals, the sisters have announced, saying they will hand over control to a group that will not follow Catholic medical ethics.

South Korean president seeks Pope's support in reconciliation efforts

May 31, 2017

VATICAN CITY – On the eve of President Trump’s visit to the Holy See, the newly elected president of South Korea sent a special envoy to ask for Vatican support in efforts to foster reconciliation in the Korean peninsula.