International News

News from outside of Canada.

Elections seen as test of change in Ukraine

October 26, 2014

KIEV, Ukraine - Although they disagree about how unstoppable the process is and they have a varying degree of fear about what Russia might do, religious and political leaders in Ukraine say their society underwent a fundamental shift in February, making Ukrainians realize they have both dignity and responsibilities for their country's future.

'Without God, you can do nothing,' says Scottish singer Susan Boyle

October 25, 2014

ORANGE, Calif. - If you think singing in front of Simon Cowell would be terrifying -- well, you're not far wrong.

Top Anglican calls for lifting seal of confessional in child abuse cases

October 24, 2014

CANTERBURY, England - Anglican priests should no longer be bound by the centuries-old principle of confidentiality in confessions when they are told of sexual crimes committed against children, the Church of England’s No. 2 official said.

Italian priest, unfazed by death threats, goes after the Mafia

October 23, 2014

ROME - Half a dozen men stand nonchalantly in front of a grubby building on one of Rome’s busiest streets as cars whizz past. They stiffen whenever a stranger approaches.

Iraqi priests sanctioned for seeking asylum without superiors' consent

October 23, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Twelve Chaldean religious men and priests living in the United States, Canada, Australia and Sweden have been suspended from exercising their priestly ministry for not receiving permission from their superiors before emigrating from Iraq.

Amid insurgency, Iraqi priest is guardian angel of ancient manuscripts

October 22, 2014

ROME - Just as the so-called Monuments Men salvaged European masterpieces stolen by Nazi forces during World War II, a Dominican priest is protecting priceless manuscripts from falling into the hands of rampaging militants in northern Iraq.

Bishop says Ebola makes Liberians feel 'God has forsaken us again'

October 20, 2014

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - A Liberian bishop unable to attend the Synod of Bishops on the family has urged his fellow bishops to use their influence to help West African families in their enormous suffering caused by Ebola.

Pastoral solutions will come out of local Churches

October 19, 2014

More than 190 bishops and 60 experts have begun a worldwide conversation about how we live our lives, how we love, how all we are and hope to be continues from generation to generation, from hope to glory, from heart to heart. Now, the bishops say, it’s over to you.

Opening the gushers to life in Guatemala

October 19, 2014

Ted van der Zalm and his wife Miriam gambled their house on a call from God more than 10 years ago and it’s paid off. They hit a gusher, or more accurately, a dozen of them over the last decade.

Ebola prompts hands-off Mass in Fort Worth, Texas

October 18, 2014

The Blood of Christ will not be offered during Mass. The Host will be placed in the hands, not on the tongue. And the faithful should not hold hands while reciting the “Our Father.”