International News

News from outside of Canada.

U.S. Catholic bishops back Obama on Iran, warn Congress against meddling

April 14, 2015

The U.S. Catholic bishops have welcomed the Obama administration’s tentative agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and their top spokesman on international affairs bluntly warned Congress against doing anything to undermine it.

Latin American officials: Pope to visit three countries July 6-12

April 13, 2015

MEXICO CITY - Pope Francis is expected to arrive July 6 in Ecuador, starting a three-country tour of his home continent, the Associated Press reported from Quito.

Obama and Castro take next steps to normalize U.S.-Cuba ties

April 13, 2015

PANAMA CITY - An hourlong meeting April 11 between U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro marked the first such personal encounter between the leaders of the two neighbouring countries since 1958.

Turkey recalls Vatican ambassador after Pope alludes to Armenian 'genocide'

April 13, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, Pope Francis said atrocities from the past have to be recognized — not hidden or denied — for true reconciliation and healing to come to the world.

Family values, societal changes challenge Cuba's Catholic leaders

April 11, 2015

BAYAMO, Cuba - In 2004, with the divorce rate looming around 70 percent in Cuba, the Catholic Church called for a "year of the family."

South Sudan church leaders push alternative peace process

April 11, 2015

JUBA, South Sudan - Church leaders in South Sudan are trying to breathe new life into their country's stalled peace talks.

Cubans find technological workarounds to help transmit faith

April 10, 2015

HAVANA - It's a scene all too familiar in the U.S., but not one you'd expect in Cuba: a group of schoolgirls cupping their cellphones with their hands, protecting them from the glare of the tropical sun. Most are looking at pictures or listening to music downloaded on the phone's memory card. Few can access the Internet using their phones.

John Paul II's visit marked 'a before and an after' for Cuban Church

April 10, 2015

HAVANA - Sitting outside the church where she was baptized, 65-year-old Clementina Torres recalls the time when anyone who publicly admitted being a Catholic in Cuba faced a host of problems. It could mean not getting into the "right" university or program, being taunted by classmates or isolated by neighbours, or it resulted in being fired, demoted or not allowed to advance professionally.

Kenya cracks down on al-Shabab funding and recruitment after Garissa attack

April 9, 2015

NAIROBI, Kenya - Faced with a fierce enemy driven by Muslim extremist ideology, the Kenyan government has cracked down on funding for al-Shabab, the Somali group that claimed responsibility for killing 148 mostly Christian students at Garissa University College a week ago.

Pope calls for hope, reconciliation as Armenia commemorates massacres

April 9, 2015

VATICAN CITY - In the run-up to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, Pope Francis decried humanity's ability to systematically exterminate its own brothers and sisters.