International News

News from outside of Canada.

Philippines' ban on religious icons in cars sparks Catholic outcry

May 23, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – In the most recent clash between the government and the Catholic Church in the Philippines, authorities have banned hanging rosaries and religious icons in vehicles, citing safety concerns.

After talks, Venezuelan bishops reiterate stance against new constitution

May 23, 2017

CARACAS, Venezuela – The Venezuelan bishops' conference reiterated its rejection of a government proposal to draft a new constitution, after a rare meeting between the conference president and top government representatives.

Mexican bishops offer support for journalists as they face increased violence

May 23, 2017

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – The Mexican Bishops' Conference offered prayers for journalists as they face increased violence in their efforts to uncover truth.

As Catholic influence in Ireland wanes, support for legalizing abortion rises

May 22, 2017

DUBLIN – Bronagh Matthews, an office manager in her 30s, lives on the rural edge of North County Dublin. She attended an all-girls Catholic high school and a Catholic college and still identifies as Roman Catholic.

Outside cities, Chinese grandparents pass on faith to their grandchildren

May 22, 2017

HONG KONG – Every evening, no matter how busy or tired she may be, Yiu reads the Bible at home to her 7-year-old granddaughter. Sometimes, parishioners from Changzhi Diocese in north-central China's Shanxi province, come and join her, reports ucanews.com.

Afghan women left everything behind – except their sewing skills

May 22, 2017

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Before Mahnaz left Afghanistan with her husband and four sons, she carefully packed beautiful black, red and white curtains in the few suitcases she could bring along to her new life in a country 7,000 miles away.

Search for common ground will be key to Pope's meeting with Trump

May 21, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Despite a few pointed comments in the past and fundamental differences on issues such as immigration, economic policy, military spending and climate change, sparks are not expected to fly May 24 when Pope Francis welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump to the Vatican.

Another court weighs the future of Trump travel ban

May 20, 2017

WASHINGTON – The comments made during and after a contentious campaign came back to haunt President Donald Trump's executive order, adding to his troubles in May, as a group of judges in Seattle weighed the future of his troubled travel ban.

Cuba’s first Catholic Church in 60 years will soon be complete

May 20, 2017

TAMPA, Florida – Funded by a parish in Florida, a new Catholic church is being built in Cuba and is the first the island nation has seen in 60 years.

Iowan man to celebrate two milestones: turning 97, 91st year as altar 'boy'

May 20, 2017

IDA GROVE, Iowa – Leo "Doc" Samson will note two anniversaries June 2.