International News

News from outside of Canada.

Vatican says its congregations collaborate, including on LCWR decision

May 7, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Two days after the head of the Vatican office overseeing religious life said he had not been consulted by the Vatican's doctrinal office about a controversial investigation of American nuns, the two bodies affirmed their "common commitment" to reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

At least two die in Tanzanian church bombing; nuncio unhurt

May 6, 2013

VATICAN CITY - The deadly bombing of a new church in northern Tanzania left at least two people dead and a dozen injured while the Vatican nuncio escaped unharmed after the attack.

FDA 'acted irresponsibly' in lowering age for emergency contraceptives

May 2, 2013

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration "acted irresponsibly" with its decision to lower the age limit from 17 to 15 for purchasing an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive, said an official of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Israeli court OKs construction of barrier through Salesians' property

May 2, 2013

JERUSALEM - An Israeli court has approved the construction of the Israeli separation barrier along a route that will nearly surround a convent and its primary school and confiscate most of their land on the outskirts of Beit Jalla, West Bank.

Pope: Unemployment, slave labor go against God's plan, human dignity

May 1, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for an end to slave labor and human trafficking as well as greater efforts to create dignified work for more people.

Israeli president says all people can learn from St. Francis

May 1, 2013

ASSISI, Italy - Becoming an honorary citizen of Assisi, Israeli President Shimon Peres said the town's most famous son, St. Francis, has important lessons to teach all people of good will.

Retired Pope Benedict set to return to Vatican May 2

April 30, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Retired Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to move into a remodeled convent at the Vatican May 2, the Vatican spokesman said.

Four wounded in church stabbing in Albuquerque; suspect held

April 30, 2013

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A suspect was being held on $75,000 bond after being arrested following the stabbing of four worshippers at an Albuquerque parish near the end of Mass April 28.

Israeli president invites pope to visit Jerusalem

April 30, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Israeli President Shimon Peres officially invited Pope Francis to Israel and left their meeting at the Vatican telling the pope, "I am expecting you in Jerusalem and not just me, but all the people of Israel."

Shanghai's Bishop Jin, who worked to rebuild church, dies at 96

April 29, 2013

SHANGHAI - Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, a prominent and controversial figure in the Chinese Catholic Church, died April 27 of pancreatic cancer. He was 96.