International News

News from outside of Canada.

Ordination without papal mandate is serious violation, says Vatican on rumours of new bishops in China

November 7, 2016

VATICAN CITY – No matter what the motivation or how seriously threatened one may believe the Catholic Church in China is, the ordination of bishops without a mandate from the pope is a serious violation of church law, the Vatican said.

On trip to Gaza Strip, English cardinal says faith reassures Christians in region

November 7, 2016

JERUSALEM – English Cardinal Vincent Nichols said his pastoral visit to Holy Family Parish in Gaza reinforced the importance of Christian hope, especially for those living in very insecure circumstances.

Knights of Columbus head: Catholics must be a source of post-election unity

November 7, 2016

ARLINGTON, VA – Following a tumultuous and divided election season, Catholics in the U.S. should find ways to create unity and healing, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus.

Who will win the Catholic vote? It's hard to predict

November 7, 2016

WASHINGTON DC – A new poll released Friday shows Donald Trump winning the Catholic vote by 16 points – but is it an accurate prediction of how Catholics will vote next Tuesday?

500 religious leaders join Standing Rock Sioux in opposing oil pipeline

November 6, 2016

WASHINGTON – When Sisters Aine O'Connor and Kathleen Erickson heard a call for a peaceful and prayerful presence on the front line of a campaign to protect sacred Sioux lands in North Dakota from a multibillion-dollar oil pipeline project, they knew they had to respond.

Greek hospitality is put to a religious test by refugees

November 5, 2016

ATHENS, Greece – Abdul rose just before sundown on one of the last days of the holy month of Ramadan. The 17-year-old refugee from Afghanistan was keeping odd hours, eating breakfast in place of dinner and passing the day in slumber.

Priest hopes Philippine's president can help bring fellow missionary's killer to justice

November 5, 2016

KIDAPAWAN, Philippines – Justice is slow in the Philippines, but Father Peter Geremia is running out of patience as he awaits justice for the killers of a fellow priest.

Hope abundant, even amid conflict, says leader of Holy Land Franciscans

November 4, 2016

WASHINGTON – The responsibilities entrusted to him are great: caring for about 50 shrines, more than two dozen parishes, various schools and other services provided by more than 250 Franciscan friars stationed at some of the most embattled places in the Middle East.

Church bulletin insert claims Clinton influenced by Satan

November 4, 2016

SAN DIEGO – An insert and article in a San Diego parish's bulletin saying Catholics were going to hell if they voted for Hillary Clinton and claiming Clinton was influenced by Satan are inappropriate and do not reflect Catholic teaching or diocesan policies, said a spokesman for the San Diego Diocese.

Former Manchester United footballer to be a Dominican priest

November 4, 2016

LONDON, UK – You might have heard of Phil Mulryne, a Manchester United footballer who's shared the field with David Beckham and brought fame to Ireland with 27 caps – international appearances – in his athletic career.