International News

News from outside of Canada.

French presidential hopeful slams Pope Francis for welcoming migrants

April 18, 2017

ROME – France’s National Front presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen, slammed Pope Francis for welcoming migrants and attacked the Catholic Church for meddling in French politics.

French archdiocese opens beatification inquiry for martyred priest killed last summer

April 18, 2017

ROUEN, France – The Archdiocese of Rouen has opened a formal inquiry into the cause for beatification of Father Jacques Hamel, who was killed while celebrating Mass in July 2016.

Philippine archbishop concerned by trend of faithful rejecting church doctrine

April 18, 2017

The head of the Philippine bishops' conference expressed concern over what he perceived to be a growing trend "of rebuffing church morals and doctrine" in his country.

U.S. strike on Syria raises moral questions about civilian security

April 17, 2017

WASHINGTON – The U.S. cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base days after chemical weapons were dropped on civilians in rebel-controlled territory further endangers innocent people, observers familiar with the just-war theory said.

Iraqi immigrant mother holds to faith, heritage in U.S.

April 16, 2017

PHOENIX – Chaldean immigrant Maureen Antwan wants two things for her children – for them to keep the faith and do well in school.

Czech bishop demands asylum for Chinese Christians

April 14, 2017

WARSAW, Poland – A Czech bishop has accused his government of prioritizing trade ties over human rights after it delayed granting asylum to dozens of Chinese Christians seeking protection in the country.

Study: worldwide restrictions on religion once again on the rise

April 14, 2017

The number of countries with "high levels" of restrictions on religion due to government policies or actions of people increased in 2015, reversing a downward trend, according to a new study.

Hungarian Christians urge churches to end silence on refugees

April 14, 2017

WARSAW, Poland– Hungarian lay Catholics have circulated a petition, signed by members of other denominations, urging their country's churches to stop "closing their eyes" to the plight of refugees.

Trump signs bill to let states redirect funds away from abortion clinics

April 13, 2017

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a bill into law April 13 that allows states to redirect Title X family planning funding away from clinics that perform abortions and to community clinics that provide comprehensive health care for women and children.

Pope washes feet of 12 prison inmates at Holy Thursday Mass

April 13, 2017

VATICAN CITY – In a gesture of service toward marginalized people, Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 inmates, including three women and a man who is converting from Islam to Catholicism.