International News

News from outside of Canada.

Christian persecution around world has intensified, study finds

October 18, 2013

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) - The persecution of Christians around the world has intensified over the last two-and-a-half years, according to a review of religious freedom in 30 countries.

President of German bishops' conference says he discussed so-called "luxury bishop" with pope.

October 17, 2013

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The president of the German bishops' conference said he was "strengthened and encouraged" by his discussion with Pope Francis about the case of a German bishop under fire for a massive building project that critics have denounced as extravagant.

Pope decides to hold 2014 Lenten retreat away from Vatican

October 17, 2013

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "As a good Jesuit," Pope Francis knows it is best not to try to make a retreat where one lives and works, so he has decided the annual papal Lenten retreat with Roman Curia officials will be held outside Rome, a Vatican spokesman said.

Palestinian president hopes to use pen from pope to sign peace treaty

October 17, 2013

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope Francis gave Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a fancy pen as a gift, and Abbas told the pope, "I hope to sign the peace agreement with Israel with this pen." Pope Francis responded with his hope that the agreement would be reached "soon, soon."

Comedy of errors: Cardinal's arrival in New Zealand marked by miscues

October 17, 2013

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CNS) - A miscommunication between the Vatican and New Zealand church officials resulted in an adventurous arrival for the prelate who coordinates a key commission of cardinals that advises Pope Francis.

In Philippines, fear of aftershocks keeps people in the streets

October 17, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Like many others in the town of Jetafe, Fr. Chito Lozada and his staff at Santo Nino parish did not go inside their homes Oct. 15; they remained outdoors. They feared aftershocks that continued after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck earlier in the day.

Nazi war criminal's SSPX funeral stopped by protests

October 16, 2013

ROME - The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X offered to celebrate a funeral for convicted war criminal Erich Priebke after the diocese of Rome said the service would be allowed only in a private home, but violent protests outside the chapel forced cancellation of the Mass.

Foreign intervention against al-Shabaab necessary, church leader says

October 16, 2013

NAIROBI, Kenya - Foreign intervention in the fight against al-Shabaab militants in Somalia is necessary, but not an absolute requirement, said the leader of the Catholic Church in Somalia.

Church leaders assess damage after strong quake in central Philippines

October 15, 2013

BOHOL, Philippines - Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran said the church in central Philippines was still assessing damage after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake left dozens dead.

Malaysian court rules Catholic newspaper cannot use 'Allah'

October 14, 2013

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - A Malaysian court said a Catholic newspaper may not use the word "Allah" to refer to God in its Malay-language edition.