International News

News from outside of Canada.

Catholic, Muslim forum urges dialogue, condemns violence, persecution

November 13, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Gathering at "a time of severe tension and conflict," particularly in the Middle East, 24 Catholic and Muslim leaders and scholars urged dialogue to promote greater respect and understanding and condemned all acts of violence committed in the name of religion.

Activists intent on building third Jewish temple spark tensions at holy site

November 12, 2014

JERUSALEM - It’s a site holy to both Jews and Muslims — considered the most religiously sensitive square kilometre on the planet.

After Philippine typhoon, neighbors pulled together to rebuild lives

November 11, 2014

TACLOBAN, Philippines - In the past year since Typhoon Haiyan tore through the central Philippines, small personal conflicts were ironed out as people pulled together to rebuild their lives.

Pope urges G-20 focus on helping the poor, says 'lives are at stake'

November 11, 2014

VATICAN CITY - As world leaders prepared to meet in Australia to continue looking at ways to improve the global economy, Pope Francis asked them "not to forget that many lives are at stake" behind their discussions and decisions.

German church commemorates 25th anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall

November 10, 2014

WARSAW, Poland - The president of the German bishops' conference praised Catholics who helped bring down the Berlin Wall, but also urged the church to look ahead to its future mission.

Filipinos continue to mourn loss of family, homes a year after typhoon

November 10, 2014

TACLOBAN, Philippines - The sun was fierce over the field of dried grass and clumps of earth marked with 3,000 small white crosses. Priests in white vestments walked along the rows of graves, sprinkling streams of holy water from plastic bottles.

Pope hails role of St. John Paul in Berlin Wall's fall

November 10, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said the sudden end to the division of Europe was prepared by the prayers and sacrifice of many people, including St. John Paul II.

When puppets meet Syrian refugees, healing begins for children

November 9, 2014

BEIRUT - Syrian children who have seen their houses bombed and family members killed are using string, glue, socks, beads and other odds and ends to help put their lives back together.

Backers of Tennessee abortion measure credit prayer, Church support for passage

November 7, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Supporters of Amendment 1 said the measure to restore Tennessee lawmakers' authority to regulate abortion passed Nov. 4 because of the backing by Catholic and other religious leaders and their churches.

Archbishop says Nigeria must find political will to stop Islamist militants

November 7, 2014

MANCHESTER, England - The president of the Nigerian bishops' conference said his country's government could defeat the Boko Haram Islamist militant group if it could muster the same political will it found to fight Ebola.