International News

News from outside of Canada.

Debate over gays in St. Patrick’s parades roils Irish on big day

March 16, 2015

NEW YORK - St. Patrick’s Day is associated as much with Roman Catholicism as it is with Irish-Americans, but this year some of the faithful aren’t happy with the inclusion of gays and lesbians marching under their own banner for the first time in parades in Boston and New York.

Bishops urge Arab, Muslim countries to help preserve Christian presence

March 16, 2015

BEIRUT - Maronite Catholic bishops urged Arab and Muslim countries to combat terrorism in order to preserve the Christian presence in the Middle East.

Attack in Pakistan part of wave of anti-Christian violence, Pope says

March 16, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Condemning deadly terrorist attacks against a Catholic and an Anglican church in Pakistan, Pope Francis said "the world is trying to hide" a wave of anti-Christian persecution in various parts of the globe.

St. Vincent de Paul members abducted in Syria, whereabouts unknown

March 13, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been unable to confirm the number of its members abducted in Syria, as well as where they are being held.

Government reps say Christian survival in Middle East 'in question'

March 13, 2015

VATICAN CITY - In a joint statement, representatives of more than 50 countries have recognized that Christians are particularly endangered in the Middle East, and they called on the international community to reaffirm the human right to freedom of religion.

Haitian cardinal wants police to boost security for country's religious

March 13, 2015

WASHINGTON - Cardinal Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, Haiti, charged that police have failed to protect religious and priests who have faced a growing number of break-ins, robberies and attacks, including rape.

Filipinos join fast for climate justice with Typhoon Haiyan in mind

March 12, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Dozens of Filipino Catholics are joining a global Lenten fast to call on world leaders to act on climate change.

Vanier cites St. Therese of Lisieux, Gandhi as spiritual role models

March 11, 2015

WASHINGTON - In 1964, when Jean Vanier quietly began what would become an international network, he had "no idea that this would be a revolutionary reality ... that it would grow," he remarked joyfully.

May 23 outdoor Mass set for beatification of Archbishop Oscar Romero

March 11, 2015

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero will be beatified in San Salvador May 23, said Italian Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the postulator or chief promoter of the archbishop's sainthood cause.

L'Arche founder Jean Vanier wins Templeton Prize

March 11, 2015

Jean Vanier, the Canadian advocate for people with developmental disabilities who helped create an international network of residential communities that champion the rights of their residents, has won the 2015 Templeton Prize.