International News

News from outside of Canada.

U.S. Supreme Court tie vote blocks temporary plan to stop deportations

June 23, 2016

WASHINGTON – With a tie vote June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Obama administration's plan to temporarily protect more than four million unauthorized immigrants from deportation.

Vatican following case of Chinese Bishop Ma, spokesman says

June 23, 2016

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said it has had no direct contact with Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai, who apparently wrote a blog post in June that gave many people the impression he had recanted an earlier decision to abandon the Chinese government's Catholic Patriotic Association.

Faith matters as UK votes on whether to remain in European Union

June 23, 2016

CAMBRIDGE, England – For the last month, fliers about the United Kingdom’s referendum on the European Union have come through my door with statements like: “The EU costs us at least £350 million a week. That’s enough to build a new NHS hospital every week.” Not one of them has mentioned religion.

Colombia is moving toward peace, but issues remain, says archbishop

June 23, 2016

TUNJA, Colombia – After decades of war, Colombia is moving rapidly toward peace, said Archbishop Luis Castro Quiroga, who has maintained a pastoral presence at peace talks in Havana.

Ten Melkite bishops demand patriarch’s resignation, boycott synod

June 23, 2016

BEIRUT – The Melkite Catholic Synod of Bishops was cancelled after 10 bishops boycotted, resulting in a lack of quorum.

Unity, honour and hope on Pope's agenda for Armenia

June 22, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said he would travel to Armenia June 24-26 to promote closer bonds with the Armenian Orthodox church, honour the Armenian people's steadfast faith in the face of tragedy and support them in their efforts to build a peaceful future.

Catholic Relief, other agencies helping Iraqis fleeing Fallujah fighting

June 22, 2016

LONDON – Catholic Relief Services and other international aid agencies are working with local Christian and Muslim charities to help about 70,000 people fleeing Fallujah, Iraq, as conflict deepens between Islamic State militants and Iraqi forces seeking to regain the beleaguered town in Anbar province.

World Day of Migrants to reflect on vulnerable, voiceless minors

June 22, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Migrant children, the most vulnerable and fragile victims of war and persecution, will be at the heart of the Catholic Church's annual day of reflection and prayer on the situation of migrants and refugees.

Philippine bishops issue letter on police killing of suspected criminals

June 22, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – In light of a spike in killings of suspected criminals, Philippine bishops appealed to law enforcement officials to use "reason and humanity."

Tourists must blow whistle on trafficking during Olympics, religious say

June 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Religious priests, brothers and sisters in Brazil are urging everyone attending the Olympic Games to report instances of exploitation of vulnerable people and to turn in suspected traffickers.