International News

News from outside of Canada.

U.N.’s top official visits world’s largest Syrian refugee camp, pleads for peace

March 29, 2017

ZAATARI, Jordan – As the U.N. secretary-general visited the world's biggest camp for Syrian refugees this week, he made an impassioned plea: Stop Syria's devastating war.

Priest murdered in Mexico's western state of Nayarit

March 29, 2017

JESUS MARIA, Mexico – Fr. Felipe Altamirano Carrillo, an indigenous priest who served in the Mexico's western state of Nayarit, was murdered Sunday while returning from saying Mass in one of the towns in which he served.

Pope Francis prays for Iraq as number of civilian deaths rise

March 29, 2017

VATICAN CITY – With the battle for major ISIS strongholds heating up in Iraq, Pope Francis has voiced his closeness to the country, praying for the safety of people on the ground, particularly civilians caught in the crosshairs of the fighting.

Catholic advocates critical of Trump's order to review Clean Power Plan

March 29, 2017

WASHINGTON – Catholic environmental advocates decried President Donald Trump's executive order that would begin a review of his predecessor's Clean Power Plan, which set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Pope urges western Canadian bishops to be close to their people

March 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY – "That's your bishop!" a woman shouted to Seamus McKelvey of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as he leaned in for an impromptu picture with three prelates posing for a professional portrait with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

Congo's bishops give up on peace mediation amid rising violence

March 28, 2017

KINSHASA, Congo – Catholic bishops in Congo have abandoned attempts to arrange a government-opposition power-sharing agreement, amid rising violence.

Peru's March for Life transforms into aid for flood victims

March 28, 2017

LIMA, Peru – The March for Life in Lima, Peru on Saturday (March 25) was transformed into a Solidarity March, with volunteers gathering several tons of food and nearly 4,000 gallons of water for those who have lost their homes in the ongoing devastating floods throughout the country.

Global peace, security demand end to nuclear weapons, Pope tells U.N.

March 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Today's threats to global peace and security must be countered through dialogue and development, not nuclear weapons, Pope Francis told the United Nations.

Mexican archdiocese: Companies that work on border wall are 'traitors'

March 27, 2017

CUERNAVACA, Mexico – An editorial in a publication of the Archdiocese of Mexico City condemned Mexican companies wishing to work on the proposed wall being built on the U.S.-Mexico border as "traitors."

Vatican sex abuse commission seeks new ways to be informed by victims

March 27, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Following the resignation of a prominent member and abuse survivor, a pontifical commission charged with addressing issues related to clergy sex abuse vowed to continue to seek input from victims and survivors.