International News

News from outside of Canada.

Pope Francis encourages successful dialogue at Nobel Peace summit

February 6, 2017

VATICAN CITY – On behalf of Pope Francis, the Vatican's Secretary of State sent a message encouraging the participants of XVI World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates to peaceful and effective communication.

Pope names an 'exclusive spokesman' to Order of Malta, no mentions of Cardinal Burke

February 6, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis named Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Vatican substitute secretary of state, as his special delegate and sole spokesman to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Promised safe haven in America, refugees now grounded by Trump

February 5, 2017

AMMAN, Jordan – Promised resettlement in the United States after escaping death and destruction in their homeland, many Syrian refugees are frustrated and angry over President Donald Trump’s executive action banning their entry to the U.S. until further notice.

Severe drought brings starving Kenyans to church doorsteps

February 5, 2017

MATUU, Kenya – When her pantry runs dry, Agnes Mwikali walks down a dusty road to the local Roman Catholic Church mission.

The story of a father who runs marathons with his disabled son

February 5, 2017

MADRID, Spain – Most fathers like to share their hobbies with their sons. But for José Manuel this proved a challenge – given that his fourth child Pablo suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy.

Iraqis' experiences recall 'what it means to live as a Christian'

February 4, 2017

ROME, Italy – An Iraqi priest who was forced to flee his village when the Islamic State seized the area in 2014 said the hardship and persecution Christians in Iraq have experienced has taught them what it really means to fully live out their faith.

Trump border wall challenges America’s moral values, says Catholic theologian

February 3, 2017

VATICAN CITY – U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico raises serious questions about America’s moral standing as the poor would bear the brunt of the suffering, a leading Catholic theologian says.

Refugee advocates outline arguments for legal action on presidential ban

February 3, 2017

WASHINGTON – The breadth of President Donald Trump's authority to limit refugees entering the United States will be fought in federal court and some of the legal challenges ultimately may end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

‘Truth’ can take some strange twists in this world

February 3, 2017

Sometime around AD 30, in the context of the Roman Empire, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus of Nazareth “What is truth?”

South African Jesuits appalled by negligence that led to 94 patients' deaths

February 3, 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – South Africa's Jesuit Institute said it is appalled at government actions that led to the deaths of 94 mentally ill patients in Gauteng province, and the bishops' justice and peace commission called for compensation to affected families.