International News

News from outside of Canada.

Martyred Christians suffer ‘ecumenism of blood,’ Pope, patriarch say

June 27, 2016

YEREVAN, Armenia – Applying the common faith they professed publicly earlier in the day, Pope Francis and Armenian Apostolic Catholicos Karekin II urged common action on behalf of persecuted Christians, welcome for refugees and defense of the family.

Brotherly embrace: Pope, Armenian leader highlight Christian unity

June 27, 2016

VAGHARSHAPAT, Armenia – Recognizing that the church of Christ is one and that Christian divisions are a "scandal" to the world, Pope Francis and Armenian Apostolic Catholicos Karekin II offered their faithful the example of praying and working together.

Be known for your love, Pope Francis tells people of Armenia

June 26, 2016

GYUMRI, Armenia – Acts of love and kindness must be a Christian's "calling card," the characteristic that identifies them more than anything, Pope Francis told Catholics in northern Armenia.

Never again: Pope prays for Armenian genocide victims, future peace

June 26, 2016

YEREVAN, Armenia – In silence and in prayer while a mournful hymn was sung, Pope Francis formally paid tribute to the estimated 1.5 million Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915-18.

U.S. bishops seek assault weapons ban, say civilians have no need for them

June 25, 2016

WASHINGTON – Two U.S. church leaders called for a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons, saying they have no place in the hands of civilians.

Catholic school in Italy fined for firing gay teacher

June 25, 2016

ROME – A Catholic school in northern Italy has been found guilty of discriminating against a gay teacher in a case sparked when a nun quizzed the employee on her sexual orientation.

Pope arrives in Armenia, speaks of faith, hope and future

June 24, 2016

YEREVAN, Armenia – A solid, sorrow-tested Christian faith gives believers the strength to overcome even the most horrific adversity, forgive one's enemies and live in peace, Pope Francis said.

Brexit victory prompts prayers amid economic, political turmoil

June 24, 2016

Britain’s vote to leave the European Union — sending economic shockwaves across the globe, driving out the prime minister and crashing the British pound — has faith leaders facing a new challenge: How to reconcile this act of national door-slamming on the EU with a religious message of welcoming the stranger and resolving conflicts through dialogue.

Cardinal Parolin shows solidarity with Ukrainians suffering from war

June 24, 2016

LVIV, Ukraine – Liza, 15, left Donetsk in June 2014. Her father was a pro-Ukrainian activist, and it became too dangerous for her and her mother to remain in Donetsk, which pro-Russian militants later made the headquarters of their self-proclaimed republic.

Trump to top evangelicals: ‘I’m so on your side, I’m a tremendous believer’

June 24, 2016

NEW YORK – Donald Trump began his crucial meeting with nearly 1,000 Christian conservatives June 21 by telling them he is a “tremendous believer” and that rather than praying for all the nation’s leaders they should “pray to get everybody out to vote for one specific person.”