International News

News from outside of Canada.

Clergy abuse victims are divided over Pope Francis’ offer to meet

May 29, 2014

Pope Francis’ announcement this week that he would meet with victims of sexual abuse by priests is dividing victim advocates, with some dismissing the move as “meaningless” and others endorsing it as a positive step, albeit taken belatedly and under pressure.

Eastern Ukraine bishop: Catholics stay home amid fighting, kidnapping

May 28, 2014

WARSAW, Poland - A Catholic bishop in eastern Ukraine said church members are afraid to attend Mass in Donetsk and other towns after a priest from Poland was abducted by pro-Russia separatists.

Ukrainian bishop says election was 'fruit of the revolution'

May 26, 2014

OXFORD, England - The Ukrainian Catholic Church has welcomed the victory of a billionaire candy tycoon in presidential election and praised the previous interim government for holding the country together in "dramatic circumstances."

Sudanese churches condemn death sentence for pregnant Christian

May 26, 2014

KHARTOUM, Sudan - Churches in Sudan, including the Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference, have condemned the death sentence handed to a pregnant Christian who refused to renounce her faith.

Bethlehem residents scramble for Pope Francis Mass tickets

May 23, 2014

BETHLEHEM - Come Sunday morning about 9,000 Christians who have been granted tickets will form Pope Francis' congregation on Manger Square in Bethlehem. Around, above and behind them will be as many as 800 journalists.

UN board urges Vatican to punish bishops who mishandle abuse claims

May 23, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The UN Committee Against Torture urged the Vatican to impose "meaningful sanctions" on any Church authority who fails to follow Church law in dealing with allegations of sexual abuse and asked that Church officials worldwide be required to report abuse allegations to local police.

Priests in Libya say Catholics fearful as conflict escalates

May 23, 2014

OXFORD, England - Catholics in Libya are "living in fear" as conflict escalates between Islamist militias and followers of a rebel general, said priests in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Politics will not be in short order during Pope’s Holy Land pilgrimage

May 23, 2014

BETHLEHEM - Catholic priests in the Palestinian Territories want Pope Francis to press Israel to allow greater freedom of movement, especially access to holy sites in Jerusalem, and they expect the issue to be addressed when the Pope meets with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem on May 26.

Bethlehem mayor urges Pope Francis to promote 'justice'

May 22, 2014

The Catholic mayor of Bethlehem, Vera Baboun, has issued a plea for "peace and justice" on the eve of the May 24-26 pilgrimage by Pope Francis to the Holy Land.

Bethlehem posters for Pope Francis visit illustrate Palestinian plight

May 22, 2014

BETHLEHEM - Just like any parish decorating the church for a special occasion, Palestinians are decorating Bethlehem in advance of Pope Francis' visit on May 25. But these decorations are also a message to the world about the plight of Palestinians.