International News

News from outside of Canada.

Belgian bishops criticize women's water attack on archbishop

April 26, 2013

BRUSSELS - The Belgian bishops' conference criticized an attack on its president, Archbishop Andre Leonard of Mechelen-Brussels, during which he was soaked with water by half-naked women.

Irish audits show 'evidence of steady progress' dealing with abuse

April 25, 2013

DUBLIN - The head of the Irish Catholic Church's child safeguarding watchdog said he is encouraged by the latest audits of the handling of abuse allegations by dioceses and a religious congregation.

Judge dismisses some charges against Philadelphia abortionist

April 24, 2013

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia judge dismissed three of eight murder charges April 23 in the trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortionist accused of killing babies said to be born alive at his clinic.

Pope offers prayers for Orthodox archbishops kidnapped in Syria

April 23, 2013

Updated 04/24/13 VATICAN CITY - Acknowledging "conflicting reports" about two Orthodox archbishops kidnapped in Syria, Pope Francis prayed for them and for an end to the war in their country.

Build 'civilization of love' in response to bombings, cardinal urges

April 22, 2013

BOSTON - Even though "the culture of death looms large" today, the light of Christ the Good Shepherd "can expel the darkness and illuminate for us a path that leads to life, to a civilization of solidarity and love," said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley.

Priest on sidelines at marathon says he tried to bring calm to chaos

April 22, 2013

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - There were more questions than answers about the April 15 terror attack on the Boston Marathon in the days following the bombings, even with the FBI's eventual identification of two suspects in the attack.

Boston college students gather to pray, talk after marathon tragedy

April 22, 2013

WASHINGTON - Students at Boston colleges in particular felt the impact of the April 15 Boston Marathon explosions and after the tragedy just down the street from many of these campuses, they gathered to pray for victims, raise funds to support their recovery, and simply to talk and share their grief and disbelief.

Texas responds to blast that casts wide destruction in small town

April 19, 2013

WEST, Texas - Emergency personnel were carefully combing through blocks of wreckage in this town of 2,900 a day after a chemical fertilizer factory caught fire and exploded with the force of a small earthquake April 17, injuring perhaps hundreds and killing others.

Nigerian bishops: Government should be wary of amnesty for Boko Haram

April 18, 2013

ISEYIN, Nigeria - Several Catholic bishops warned the Nigerian government to be wary of the consequences of granting amnesty to Boko Haram, a sect that wants to impose strict Islamic law, and at least one said Mass attendance had dropped because the Islamist sect often targeted churches with bombs.

Pope calls for prayers for victims of Texas factory explosion

April 18, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for prayers for the victims of a deadly explosion in Texas.