International News

News from outside of Canada.

As Hagupit slows, flooding becomes concern in Philippines

December 8, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Storm Hagupit dumped heavy rain as it slunk its way to the Manila area Dec. 8, after passing across the northern half of the central Philippines at typhoon strength.

Spend time in silence and service before Christmas, pope suggests

December 8, 2014

ROME - In the heart of Rome's high-end shopping district, sparkling with Christmas lights and shiny baubles in the windows of famous designers, Pope Francis prayed that people would spend time in silence and in service as they prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth.

English cardinal: Young Africans being seduced into modern slavery

December 8, 2014

MANCHESTER, England - Young Africans are being seduced into modern slavery by the promise of a dream that never comes true, an English cardinal told a conference on human trafficking.

Pope Francis calls for solidarity in creating a world without nuclear weapons

December 8, 2014

VIENNA - Pope Francis called on world leaders, activists and people of faith to pull together to rid the world of the threat of nuclear weapons.

Catholics recall the winds of change brought by Mass in the vernacular

December 7, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS - The Second Vatican Council brought about renewal to many aspects of the life of the church. But for many Catholics, the most noticeable developments appeared 50 years ago. On Nov. 29, 1964, parts of the Mass began for the first time to be prayed in English, priests started facing the congregation, and the approach to liturgical music sounded a different note.

Religious freedom, Ukraine are priorities for European security

December 6, 2014

VATICAN CITY - A top Vatican official emphasized religious freedom worldwide and a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine as urgent priorities for Europe's main security organization.

A decade after tsunami, Indonesians still wrestle with trauma

December 6, 2014

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia - Ten years after a giant tsunami swept across South Asia, survivors across the region still wrestle with the trauma that lingers long after the water receded from thousands of seaside towns and villages.

Kenya's Christians 'living in fear' after latest attack

December 6, 2014

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Since Somali militants killed 36 non-Muslim quarry workers in early December, Christians in Kenya "are living in fear, wondering where the next attack will be," said Bishop Emanuel Barbara of Malindi, Kenya.

For Benedictine Sister, coaching football about passing on mission, values

December 6, 2014

WASHINGTON - Sr. Lisa Maurer is a Benedictine nun who lives at the St. Scholastica Monastery on the campus of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. She works at the Benedictine Health Centre next to the monastery, serving senior members of the community. She prays, studies and ministers at local parishes. She also happens to coach a men's football team.

Manila cardinal: Seek forgiveness for not taking care of environment

December 5, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle told churches to pray for safety and forgiveness for not taking care of the environment ahead of a powerful typhoon approaching the Philippines.