International News

News from outside of Canada.

Bishops say Peru can’t withstand ‘instability’

April 27, 2022

Peru’s Catholic bishops published a two-page plea to the country’s leaders, urging them to address the current political crisis with “greater responsibility” and take “radical measures” to fight corruption.

Pope Francis calls for truth about 2019 Easter bombings

April 27, 2022

Three years after multiple bombings killed more than 260 people on Easter and lingering questions remain about those behind the attacks, Pope Francis appealed to Sri Lankan authorities to shed light on what happened.

French election results show 'increasing rupture' says bishops' leader

April 26, 2022

The head of the French bishops' conference welcomed the reelection of President Emmanuel Macron, but also warned of growing social divisions, after the vote was marred the stabbing of a Catholic priest and nun.

Lebanon sea tragedy is 'proof' of Lebanese crisis, says Caritas president

April 25, 2022

The capsizing of a small boat overloaded with passengers trying to illegally leave Lebanon is "the biggest proof of the terrible crisis" that the country is enduring as it continues to sink economically, said Carmelite Father Michel Abboud, president of Caritas Lebanon.

Pope Francis meets with Manitoba Métis Federation

April 21, 2022

The head of the Manitoba Métis Federation said his group's meeting with Pope Francis was an emotional encounter centered on reconciliation between the Indigenous community and the Catholic Church.

Australian bishops ask voters to remember nation’s most vulnerable

April 21, 2022

Catholic bishops urged Australians to consider the nation’s most vulnerable people when voting in federal elections May 21.

Ukrainian sociologist Mychailo Wynnyckyj criticizes Pope Francis’ outreach to Russia

April 20, 2022

I was baptized a Ukrainian Catholic. My wife and I were married in a Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kyiv, and our children were all baptized in this faith as well. Our church has a Patriarch (i.e., a separate hierarchy from Roman Catholics), but we recognize the spiritual supremacy of the Pope. In Ukraine, the Ukrainian Catholic Church follows the Julian calendar which means Easter will be celebrated next week.

‘Journeying together’ is at heart of synod, preparations

April 20, 2022

In October 2023, Pope Francis will convene the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

German bishop responds to letter criticizing Synodal Path

April 19, 2022

The head of the German bishops' conference responded to an open letter from more than 70 bishops from four continents and expressed surprise at some of what they said -- and did not say.

Caritas office in Ukraine caught in crossfire, seminary ransacked

April 12, 2022

Russian forces in Ukraine attacked a Caritas office in Mariupol and a Catholic seminary in a small village north of Kyiv, prompting renewed calls for an end to the war and to the targeting of innocent civilians.