International News

News from outside of Canada.

USCCB: New proposed rules on mandate still violate religious freedom

March 21, 2013

WASHINGTON - New proposed regulations governing the contraceptive mandate under the U.S. Affordable Care Act continue to violate basic principles of religious freedom, said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Cardinal Tagle says Pope told him he had 'high hopes' for Philippines

March 21, 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Cardinal Luis Tagle told journalists that when he went before newly elected Pope Francis to pledge obedience, the pope told him he had "high hopes" for the Philippines.

Pope Francis changes Holy Thursday plans to celebrate Mass in prison

March 21, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has decided to celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper in a Rome juvenile detention facility and wash the feet of some of the young detainees.

Pope pledges renewed cooperation; Jewish leaders praise election

March 20, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said he plans renewed cooperation to further Catholic-Jewish relations and hopes to contribute to a world where all people live in harmony with the "will of the creator."

U.S. responsibilities to Iraq many on 10th anniversary of 2003 invasion

March 20, 2013

WASHINGTON - Attending the installation of Patriarch Louis Sako as the new leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Baghdad, Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, looked around at the large crowd gathered in St. Joseph Cathedral and what he saw gave him a sense of hope.

Changes in style send clear message from Pope Francis

March 19, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis had been pope for less than six days when he was formally installed March 19, but he had already made a distinctive and overwhelmingly favorable impression on the world.

Vatican releases papal coat of arms, motto by English doctor of church

March 18, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' papal motto is based on the Gospel account of "The Call of St. Matthew," the tax collector, in a homily given by St. Bede the Venerable.

Pope meets with Argentine president, superior general of Jesuits

March 18, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis held an informal, private meeting and lunch with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner March 18.

Religious groups, movements applaud election of Pope Francis

March 17, 2013

VATICAN CITY - Religious groups and movements worldwide applauded the election of Pope Francis and are looking forward to the impact he will have on the church and other religious groups.

Vatican dismisses claims against Pope Francis during dictatorship

March 17, 2013

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican dismissed claims that Pope Francis played a direct role in the kidnappings of two Jesuit priests during Argentina's murderous military dictatorship and described them as part of a campaign by "left-wing anti-clerical elements to attack the church."