International News

News from outside of Canada.

California governor signs right-to-die bill sought by Brittany Maynard

October 7, 2015

Physician-assisted dying will become legal in California under a bill signed into law on Monday (Oct. 5) by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.

Synod should reflect on possibly allowing female deacons, says archbishop

October 6, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Canadian Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, Quebec, said the synod should reflect on the possibility of allowing for female deacons as it seeks ways to open up more opportunities for women in church life.

Time for cautious diplomacy is over, says Ukrainian Catholic leader

October 6, 2015

VIENNA - The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church has urged the Vatican to show greater support for his country, as a senior Vatican diplomat warned the country risked becoming "a kind of Somalia."

Unrest flares again in West Bank, Jerusalem

October 5, 2015

JERUSALEM - Unrest flared in early October throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem, which has experienced tensions during September, largely over the status of the contested holy site of the Temple Mount or Haram al-Sharif.

Anti-Christian animus said to be behind Oregon college shooting spree

October 2, 2015

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The gunman behind the Oct. 1 massacre at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg reportedly asked students whether they were Christian.

California governor faces final call on right-to-die bill

October 2, 2015

California Gov. Jerry Brown has until midnight Oct. 7 to sign or veto a controversial bill that would legalize physician-assisted dying in the United States’ most populous state.

Central African archbishop to continue peace mission, despite violence

October 1, 2015

OXFORD, England - An archbishop in the Central African Republic has vowed to continue an interfaith peace mission, after new communal violence left at least 36 dead two months before a planned visit by the Pope.

Harper called on to help find solution for Palestinan farmers cut off by security wall

October 1, 2015

OTTAWA - Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, in one of his last duties as president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, has asked the prime minister to use his influence with Israel to prevent its security wall from cutting off Palestinian families from their farmland.

Silence and indifference to migrant crisis lead to complicity, Pope says

October 1, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Indifference to the crises and tragedies today's migrants and refugees are facing lead to complicity when people remain silent or refuse to act, Pope Francis said.

Vatican confirms Pope met Kentucky clerk, won't comment further

September 30, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican does not deny reports that while in Washington, Pope Francis briefly met with Kim Davis, the county clerk from Kentucky who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses.