International News

News from outside of Canada.

Vatican says 2.3 million people joined pope for Vatican events in 2012

January 4, 2013

VATICAN CITY - More than 2.3 million pilgrims and visitors joined Pope Benedict XVI for an audience, liturgy or prayer at the Vatican or Castel Gandolfo in 2012, the Vatican said.

Illegals who occupied Paris embassy ask Church backing for cause

January 3, 2013

PARIS - Illegal immigrants who occupied the Vatican's embassy in Paris have called on the Catholic Church to support their struggle for better treatment.

French bishops back plans for rally against same-sex marriage bill

January 3, 2013

PARIS - France's Catholic bishops are backing plans for a national demonstration against same-sex marriage legislation, which is expected to be approved by lawmakers later in January.

Caracas cardinal asks Venezuelans to pray for ailing president

January 3, 2013

CARACAS, Venezuela - Caracas Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino asked Venezuelans to pray for President Hugo Chavez as he battles cancer.

Newtown pastor tells mourners child victims were gift from the start

December 19, 2012

RYE, N.Y. - Addressing mourners at the first two funerals for young victims of the Dec. 14 school shooting in Connecticut, Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown asked, "Where else but the church could we bring this unspeakable act?"

Irish government announces plans to legalize abortion, with limits

December 19, 2012

DUBLIN - The Irish government has announced plans to legalize abortion in limited circumstances, but Minister for Health James Reilly insisted his plans will take "full account of the equal right to life of the unborn child."

'Sacramental sense' of priest's response after shooting called powerful

December 18, 2012

RYE, N.Y. - The "sacramental sense" of a Catholic pastor's outreach after the horrific violence

Philippine bishops consider Supreme Court appeal for reproductive law

December 18, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Catholic leaders said they would appeal to the Supreme Court

'No words' can describe shock, sadness after shooting, says priest

December 17, 2012

NEWTOWN, Conn. - Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, was at Sandy Hook Elementary School

Pope expresses grief over Newtown shooting, calls for acts of peace

December 17, 2012

VATICAN CITY - After 20 children and six adults were shot dead in Connecticut, Pope Benedict XVI offered