International News

News from outside of Canada.

Nigerian archbishop condemns twin bombings as setback for peace

May 21, 2014

LAGOS, Nigeria - Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos condemned twin bombings that claimed more than 100 lives in his city, saying they were setbacks to peace efforts.

Rulings on same-sex marriage called 'mistake,' 'travesty of justice'

May 21, 2014

PHILADELPHIA - The 1996 Pennsylvania law that recognizes marriage between one man and one woman is unconstitutional, a U.S. federal judge ruled May 20, clearing the way for same-sex marriage in the state.

Site of Jesus’ Last Supper a point of contention for some Israeli Jews

May 20, 2014

JERUSALEM - Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit, Jewish religious and nationalist groups plan to demonstrate May 22 to demand that the Israeli government not cede sovereignty or control of the Cenacle, traditionally considered the site of Jesus’ Last Supper.

Brazil's religions promote peace with events during World Cup

May 20, 2014

SAO PAULO - Less than a month from the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, leaders of several religions gathered at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro to kick off what they are calling the World Peace Cup.

Soldiers lay down weapons for rosaries as they pray, pay homage to Mary

May 20, 2014

LOURDES, France - It looked like any other military parade with bands playing, flags waving and thousands of men and women marching in colorful uniforms decorated with medals and ribbons.

Cardinal Kasper enjoying the spotlight, and taking heat, as ‘Pope’s theologian’

May 19, 2014

NEW YORK - To hear Cardinal Walter Kasper tell it, he became the Pope’s point man for reform in the Catholic Church thanks to a bit of serendipity, or, if you will, Providence, before anyone knew that Francis was going to be the next Roman pontiff.

New rural police force in Mexico faces distrust from priests, community

May 19, 2014

MEXICO CITY - Fr. Andres Larios once supported the highly effective self-defense groups, which formed to fight off drug cartels carrying out various crimes in Mexico's western state of Michoacan. He lent them spiritual support, endorsed their activities and let them ring the church bells to call the community to meetings or warn of pending dangers.

Christians condemn death penalty for Sudanese doctor accused of apostasy

May 18, 2014

Sudanese Christians have condemned the sentencing of a Christian woman to death by hanging after she married a Christian man.

Romanian bishop who died in communist prison cell to be beatified

May 17, 2014

WARSAW, Poland - A Catholic bishop who was starved and forced to stand naked in winter will be beatified as a martyr in Romania, 63 years after dying of malnutrition in a communist prison.

Letters to Irish priest reveal Jackie Kennedy's struggles with faith

May 15, 2014

DUBLIN - Newly released letters between former U.S. first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and a Dublin-based priest reveal Kennedy's struggles to keep her faith after her husband's assassination.