International News

News from outside of Canada.

Benedict leaves Francis with a starting point on social justice, Jesuit says

April 1, 2013

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has left his successor with some unfinished business that Jesuit economist and theologian Fr. Bill Ryan would like to put at the top of the new pontiff ’s agenda.

At Easter Pope calls Christians to be channels of mercy, justice, peace

March 31, 2013

VATICAN CITY - With Jesus' resurrection "love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious," Pope Francis said in his first Easter message "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world).

Fate allows students to experience papal history

March 29, 2013

MISSISSAUGA, ONT. - Travelling to Rome under normal circumstances can be a trip of a lifetime, but for high school students Julia Orsini and Aniela Opolski, it gave them the chance to be a little part of history.

Pope washes feet of 12 young detainees to serve them 'from the heart'

March 29, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis told young inmates that, just as Jesus came to help and serve others, he, too, was at their service as a priest and bishop.

U.S. definition of marriage less a focus than who's defining it

March 27, 2013

WASHINGTON - In its second day of oral arguments about aspects of laws related to same-sex marriage March 27, the Supreme Court spent little time discussing the actual definition of marriage, focusing instead on issues of jurisdiction, state's rights, motives behind the federal Defense of Marriage Act and timing.

British Catholic legislators ask pope to relax priestly celibacy rule

March 27, 2013

MANCHESTER, England - Twenty-one Catholic members of Parliament have written to Pope Francis to ask him to relax the rule on priestly celibacy for Latin-rite priests.

Philippine bishops warn faithful against ritual crucifixions

March 26, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities announced that at least 24 "penitents" are expected to be nailed on the cross on Good Friday, an annual ritual meant to atone for sins and give thanks to God for blessings.

Pope Francis to live in Vatican guesthouse, not papal apartments

March 26, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Vatican guesthouse where he has been since the beginning of the conclave that elected him, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

Pope Francis meets retired Pope Benedict, says 'we're brothers'

March 25, 2013

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - With a warm embrace, a helping hand, shared prayer, a long discussion and lunch together, Pope Francis spent several hours with retired Pope Benedict XVI March 23 at the papal summer villa.

First impressions? Very impressive

March 24, 2013

ROME - The simplicity of Pope Francis and his paternal goodness is a sign of hope for the Church, said Montreal Archbishop Christian Lépine.