International News

News from outside of Canada.

Catholics say Chinese bishop detained so he'll miss first chrism Mass

April 11, 2017

HONG KONG – Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of Mindong in China's eastern Fujian province has not returned after being forced to pay a visit to the religious affairs bureau in Fuan April 7, local sources told ucanews.com.

Faithful storm out of Mass in Italy after priest criticizes Pope Francis

April 11, 2017

OME – A priest is being asked to take a break from his parish in the small Italian town of Montesilvano after some in his congregation reportedly stormed out of Mass when he openly criticized Pope Francis on Palm Sunday (April 9).

CNEWA head: Next few months will decide Christians' fate in Iraq

April 10, 2017

WASHINGTON – The next few months will determine whether Iraqi Christians can return to their homes in areas where Islamic State had been routed, according to Msgr. John E. Kozar, international president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

Egypt's attacks won't stop Pope's visit, says Vatican official

April 10, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Despite recent and repeated terrorist attacks against Egypt's minority Christian communities, Pope Francis will not cancel his visit to Egypt.

Bishop from South Sudan urges community leaders to condemn violence

April 10, 2017

YAMBIO, South Sudan – As civilians are increasingly targeted in South Sudan's civil war, a bishop urged prominent community leaders to unequivocally condemn revenge killings, violence against civilians, and hate speech that ignites tribal sentiments.

Don't send mother who fled drug cartels back to Mexico, archdiocese pleads

April 10, 2017

CINCINNATI, Ohio – U.S. immigration authorities should show mercy on a detained Catholic mother with a special needs child, who fled Mexico when drug cartels began to persecute her family, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati said this week.

'Pope Francis laundry' service opens for homeless in Rome

April 10, 2017

VATICAN CITY – On Monday the latest Pope Francis-inspired initiative for the poor opened up in Rome – a new laundromat, with washing, drying and ironing services for those without a home or a fixed living situation.

Pope’s letter sunk in Titanic was intended for U.S. president

April 9, 2017

DENVER, Col. – On the fateful voyage that embarked from Southampton and never made it to New York City, a passenger on the RMS Titanic named Major Archibald Willingham Butt was tasked with a special mission.

Myanmar's biggest challenge is to stop ethnic conflicts, says cardinal

April 9, 2017

YANGON, Myanmar – The Catholic Church is helping to rebuild Myanmar as it emerges from six decades of military rule and isolation through peace-building efforts and education, Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon said in a recent interview with National Catholic Reporter.

Aleppo's Christians feel protected by prayers around the world

April 9, 2017

ALEPPO, Syria – The attitude of Christians in Aleppo seems to have improved since Syrian government forces re-took the city, and they believe the prayers of Christians abroad have helped them, one religious sister reports.