International News

News from outside of Canada.

Damage in Philippines from typhoon looks like tsunami hit, CRS rep says

December 6, 2012

WASHINGTON - The destruction from Typhoon Bopha in portions of Mindanao in the southern Philippines is worse than feared as rescue workers continued to discover bodies under knee-deep mud, said a Catholic Relief Services official coordinating the agency's storm response.

Vatican Nativity scene sets Holy Family in rock-hewn grottos of Matera

December 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY - Christmas in St. Peter's Square this year has a particularly southern Italian flavor with a towering tree from the Molise region and a Nativity scene donated by the Basilicata region.

New charity rules don't forbid state funding, Vatican official says

December 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY - New rules issued by Pope Benedict XVI for the governance of Catholic charities will not prevent such charities from accepting government funding,

Palestinian question key to Mideast peace, say Catholic leaders

December 6, 2012

VATICAN CITY - At the end of a three-day meeting in Lebanon, the Catholic patriarchs and bishops of the Middle East said peace in the region will be impossible without a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

CRS, Caritas Philippines ready to speed relief to thousands after storm

December 6, 2012

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As thousands of Philippine families remained in shelters, Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Philippines prepared to speed household supplies and water to eastern sections of Mindanao affected by powerful Typhoon Bopha.

Advent is time to renew faith, bring God's love to others, pope says

December 5, 2012

VATICAN CITY - Advent's liturgical preparation for Christmas calls Christians to renew their faith in the reality of God's great love and to make a commitment to bringing his love to the world today, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Thousands gather to urge Ireland not to introduce abortion bill

December 5, 2012

DUBLIN - Thousands of pro-life demonstrators held a candlelight vigil outside the Irish parliament Dec. 4, calling on the government not to introduce abortion legislation.

Newly beatified Indian lay martyr praised for refusing to reject faith

December 4, 2012

BANGALORE, India - The life of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, an 18th-century Catholic layman who was martyred for refusing to refute his faith despite being brutally tortured, was held up as an example for all Christians to embrace.

Papal events, Vatican webcam feeds streamed live with new 'Pope App'

December 4, 2012

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican is offering a new app that provides live streaming of papal events and video feeds from the Vatican's six webcams.

Pope calls for world authority as 'moral force'

December 3, 2012

VATICAN CITY - The world authority envisioned by two popes as a way to ensure global peace and justice would not be a superpower, but primarily a moral force with limited jurisdiction, Pope Benedict XVI said.