International News

News from outside of Canada.

North Korean defector: Despite horrific persecution, Christianity is growing

May 15, 2017

WASHINGTON – Although the North Korean government is doing everything it can to suppress Christianity, the faith continues to spread, said a defector and missionary who called for prayers and action to increase religious freedom in the country.

Sydney archbishop applauds rejection of abortion bill

May 15, 2017

SYDNEY, Australia – Catholics in the Australian state of New South Wales applauded the rejection of bills in the upper house of the parliament that would have legalized abortion.

Nuns help expand coverage and care in Rwanda’s health system

May 14, 2017

Muyanza, RWANDA – The dense darkness of nighttime in rural northern Rwanda completely obliterates the immense hills that surround the village of Muyanza. But piercing this complete darkness a few times a week are two pinpricks of light, from the headlights of the village's lone ambulance.

Congolese priest finds science, medicine help in service of the Gospel

May 14, 2017

DECATUR, Ga. – Religion and science have intertwined in Divine Word Father Jean Ikanga's life and it began with a fearful mother.

Mexican archdiocese warns against veneration of 'pseudo saint'

May 14, 2017

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican archdiocese is warning against the veneration of a "pseudo saint" created to legitimize criminal activities such as stealing gasoline, saying it is "playing with people's faith."

Returning from Fatima, Pope says he has doubts about Medjugorje

May 13, 2017

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM PORTUGAL – While the investigations into the very first alleged apparitions at Medjugorje in must continue, Pope Francis said he has doubts about claims that Mary continues to appear in the village of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Fatima brings hope for peace in suffering Venezuela, pilgrim says

May 13, 2017

FATIMA, Portugal – Our Lady of Fatima's message of peace to a country suffering from war and persecution resonates today just as it did a century ago, a Venezuelan pilgrim said.

Haitians fear being forced out of U.S. if special immigration status ends

May 13, 2017

WASHINGTON – Wilson Jean-Baptiste is worried that in less than a year, he and his wife, Myrlande, will be left with a stark question: What to do if the U.S. government orders her to move back to Haiti because she no longer has protected status under immigration law.

Latin American bishops appeal for aid for food-short Venezuela

May 13, 2017

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Bishops from across Latin America condemned the ongoing violence in Venezuela and called for the church to find ways to provide charity to the South American country amid food shortages that have left thousands hungry.

U.S. seminarians run across Italy to help displaced families in Iraq

May 13, 2017

ROME – Loaded with peanut butter and jellysandwiches, bananas, Gatorade, grit and prayer, nine U.S. seminarians studying in Rome ran relay-style across the Italian peninsula to raise funds for displaced families in Iraq.