International News

News from outside of Canada.

Egypt's Christians to hold restrained Easter services in light of attacks

April 13, 2017

MINYA, Egypt – After two bomb attacks on worshippers at Coptic Orthodox churches on Sunday, the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of Minya has announced it will celebrate Easter without the typical festive accoutrements.

Interfaith group reports on Philippine drug-related killings to U.N.

April 13, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – An interfaith delegation from the Philippines raised concerns over drug-related killings during a meeting with the special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings at the United Nations.

Remote Catholic missions in Central African Republic raided

April 12, 2017

NAIROBI, Kenya – Two remote Catholic missions in Central African Republic were targeted by former militants.

In Syria, Franciscan superior sees devastation, but also signs of hope

April 12, 2017

ROME – Fifteen Franciscan friars continue to live and work in Syria; two of the friars minister in towns controlled by Islamic State forces.

Nigerian bishop says Boko Haram needs to be fought in spiritual realm, too

April 12, 2017

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Catholic bishop of a diocese at the center of the Boko Haram insurgency said the militants need to be fought on several levels.

West African bishops highlight challenges facing their nations

April 12, 2017

GRAND-BASSAM, Côte d’Ivoire – The regional conference of West African bishops has commended a regional economic union for its efforts to promote peaceful transfers of power, while also noting areas of concern, including religious intolerance and youth unemployment.

Priest convicted of stealing $300k removed from clergy by Pope Francis

April 12, 2017

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Pope Francis has dismissed a New Hampshire priest from the clerical state, after the priest was convicted of stealing some $300,000 from the local diocese, a hospital and a deceased priest's estate.

Initiative gives blood donors free admissions to Vatican Museums

April 12, 2017

VATICAN CITY – A new initiative in Italy will allow blood donors to receive a free ticket to the Vatican Museums.

Syrian nun honoured by U.S. says bombing is a step back from peace

April 11, 2017

ROME – Two weeks after the U.S. State Department honoured her as a Woman of Courage, a Salesian sister from Syria told reporters President Donald Trump's decision to bomb a Syrian air base is another step back from peace.

San Bernardino holds vigil for school community after deadly shooting

April 11, 2017

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – After two people were killed in a shooting at a classroom in a San Bernardino elementary school on Monday, the city held a prayer service for the victims and the school community at Our Lady of the Assumption.