International News

News from outside of Canada.

Holy Family icon for unity, peace, begins 'pilgrimage' in Middle East

August 3, 2021

BEIRUT -- The pilgrimage of the icon of the Holy Family of Divine Will of Unity and Peace has begun. The icon, written by Melkite Father Samir Rouhana of St. Elias Parish near Haifa, Israel, will be in Lebanon for a month.

N.J. archdiocese is told of app data, raises concerns about data collection

July 28, 2021

NEWARK, N.J. -- After being made aware of a "published media report with information inferring possible inappropriate software app use by certain clergy" within the Newark Archdiocese, a statement from the archdiocese said it is reviewing the matter.

Dioceses review Latin Mass restrictions

July 28, 2021

A week after Pope Francis re-imposed restrictions on pre-Vatican II Latin Mass, parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church in Toronto were still praying with the 1962 Missale Romanum at their regular 11:30 weekday Masses.

Pope Francis: May Olympic Games be sign of hope during pandemic

July 26, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- As thousands of athletes gathered for the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Pope Francis gave them his blessing and extended it to those organizing and supporting the events.

Report that led to priest's resignation prompts journalism ethics questions

July 23, 2021

High-tech data collection and cellphone tracking services allegedly used in a report by The Pillar that triggered the resignation of a high-ranking U.S. Catholic official July 20 has sparked a fresh discussion about journalism ethics.

Pope Francis 'deeply saddened' by Baghdad market bombing

July 21, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis expressed his condolences after a suicide bombing in a busy market in Baghdad claimed the lives of dozens of people.

Religious leaders in Cuba voice support for peaceful protests

July 15, 2021

HAVANA -- The Conference of Catholic Religious in Cuba representing men and women religious in the Caribbean nation is supporting the "legitimate and universal right" of Cubans to express grievances with the government in an "orderly and peaceful way in public."

Study finds 221,000 Catholics left the church in Germany during pandemic

July 15, 2021

BONN, Germany -- In the coronavirus year 2020, fewer Christians left the church in Germany than in previous years, two church organizations reported on Wednesday.

Fr. Stan Swamy led fight for the oppressed

July 14, 2021

THRISSUR, India -- Jesuit Fr. Stan Swamy, jailed on dubious terrorism charges since October, died July 5 at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai. He was 84.

Syro-Malabar leaders seek answers regarding demolition of Indian church

July 13, 2021

THRISSUR, India -- Syro-Malabar Bishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of Faridabad, India, urged India's prime minister to facilitate rebuilding of a church demolished by local government officials in the Indian capital of New Delhi.