International News

News from outside of Canada.

Vatican speaks out on unapproved bishop ordinations in China

December 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY – After the recent unauthorized ordination of bishops in China, which falls just ahead of a major meeting for Chinese Catholic representatives, the Vatican has issued a statement reaffirming their position on the matter.

Pope calls for peace in Congo following deadly protests

December 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis appealed for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the killing of protesters demonstrating against President Joseph Kabila in several cities across the country.

Pope Francis pardons priest tied to Vatileaks scandal

December 20, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has officially granted clemency to Spanish priest Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, who had already served half of his 18-month jail sentence for leaking confidential Vatican documents.

Bishops mourn victims of deadly truck attack on Berlin Christmas market

December 20, 2016

VATICAN CITY – After 12 people were killed when a truck rammed into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market, the German bishops have voiced their sorrow, and have invited people to join them in praying for the victims and their families.

Star Wars’ Jedi rejected as religious group in UK

December 20, 2016

Han Solo may have referred to Jediism as a “hokey religion,” but the Charity Commission for England and Wales has ruled it is not actually a religion.

Residents of remote Irish island happy they'll have Christmas Mass

December 20, 2016

DUBLIN – Residents of a remote Irish island have had their prayers answered when it was confirmed they would have a priest to celebrate Christmas Mass.

Nuremberg 'Christkind' visits markets, but also has charitable duties

December 20, 2016

NUREMBERG, Germany – At a time when many people are celebrating Christmas with material gain, the people of Nuremberg continue a 68-year-old tradition of sharing Christmas spirit through community service.

Boxes filled with Christmas meals link Chilean families in Christmas spirit

December 19, 2016

SANTIAGO, Chile – In a wealthy area of Santiago, Maria Jose Griffin and her husband, Juan Carlos Cornejo, were in their spacious sitting room, preparing Christmas dinner for three families they have never met.

Rio archdiocese asks for help to restore iconic Christ the Redeemer statue

December 19, 2016

RIO DE JANEIRO – The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro has launched an international appeal for donations to help restore Christ the Redeemer, Brazil’s most famous statue, considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Pope will make two-day visit to Fatima marking apparition anniversary

December 19, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Thought rumours have been floating around for some time, the Vatican confirmed Saturday that Pope Francis will travel to Fatima, Portugal May 12-13 in honor of the centenary of the apparitions.