International News

News from outside of Canada.

Drop debate over arming Syria; forge efforts for peace, says patriarch

April 18, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Unless western nations immediately find ways to bring peace to Syria instead of debating whether to arm opposition forces, the country will continue to be in turmoil and a victim of the West's indecision, said a Syrian patriarch.

Boston victim's father grateful for prayers

April 17, 2013

Updated 04/18/13 BOSTON - The first name released of someone killed in the April 15 explosions at the Boston Marathon was that of eight-year-old Martin Richard, whose picture in newspapers showed him grinning broadly, apparently at his first Communion.

Pope's G-8: Troubleshooters, outspoken leaders will help reform curia

April 16, 2013

VATICAN CITY - The eight cardinals named by Pope Francis to begin work on ways to reorganize the Roman Curia are predominantly active archbishops of very large archdioceses, but they also have a wide range of pastoral and organizational experiences and skills.

Boston cardinal says all feel 'deep sorrow' for victims of explosions

April 16, 2013

Updated 04/18/13 BOSTON - Within hours of two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15, Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley sent a message of prayer and support for those injured, their loved ones and those who experienced the trauma of the tragedy.

Pope names international panel of cardinals to advise on Vatican reform

April 15, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Amid rising concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the central administration of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis named an international panel of cardinals to advise him on the latest reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.

Russian Catholics surprised at government raids on churches, charities

April 12, 2013

OXFORD, England - Russia's Catholic Church expressed surprise and concern after a wave of raids on its parishes and charities, part of a government clampdown on organizations with foreign links.

Canada agrees to arms treaty

April 12, 2013

For the first time in history the United Nations has voted to put rules in place to regulate the $70- billion per year international trade in conventional weapons. On April 2, just two weeks before the 50th anniversary of Pope John XXIIIs encyclical Pacem In Terris, the UN voted 154 to 3, with 23 abstentions, to adopt the conventional Arms Trade Treaty.

Irish Catholic leaders say country must remain vigilant about violence

April 11, 2013

DUBLIN - The Irish cannot afford to be complacent about violence, even though they have lived with a peace agreement for 15 years, said Ireland's most senior Catholic leader.

Vatican seeks expanded Moneyval review to show compliance efforts

April 11, 2013

VATICAN CITY - A major European regulator will conduct an expanded evaluation of the Vatican's latest efforts to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorism.

With Pope Francis, the 'great continental mission' goes global

April 10, 2013

LIMA, Peru - In his first weeks as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has echoed many of the concerns that he and fellow prelates raised in a conference of Latin American bishops six years ago.