Religious voices are needed to remind political and business leaders of the basics of morality, particularly on the life and death issues of war, peace, climate change and nuclear arms, a trio of Canadian elder statesmen urged delegates to the Parliament of the World’s Religions. 

As delegates from nearly 80 countries gathered in Toronto for the Parliament of the World’s Religions they were confronted with the common failure of all the world’s faiths — the failure to find peace.

VATICAN – Christians and Hindus are bound by their belief in human dignity and share a responsibility to help those in need, said the secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

There’s more to the world’s largest interfaith event than 10,000 people talking about religion.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government would formally apologize for sending refugee Jews back to Nazi death camps during the Second World War, Canadian bishops, rabbis and their supporters were down the street watching a movie.

VATICAN – In a time when the world is mired in conflicts, religious leaders have a duty to show that it is possible to set aside differences and work together for the common good, Pope Francis said.

Young people are ready and willing to be leaders in the Church, said youth delegates at an unprecedented pre-synodal meeting of young people in Rome. 

As Toronto prepares to host more than 10,000 people in November for seven days of reflection on faith, cultures and traditions, Catholics are getting ready to play their part during the Parliament of World’s Religions.

OTTAWA – Suzanne Le earned two degrees during her years in university — a bachelor’s in comparative religion and a master’s in conflict studies.

Yangon, Myanmar – In a major speech in Myanmar, Pope Francis told the nation's leaders to leave conflict behind and work for peace by promoting justice and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

YANGON, Myanmar – Greeted by two dozen children wearing traditional attire and by the nation's bishops, Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar Nov. 27 for a four-day visit.

VATICAN CITY – Christians and Muslims believe that freedom of conscience and religion are the most important human rights and, "therefore, our collective duty demands that we respect, preserve and promote such rights," said members of the Catholic-Muslim Forum.

Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society would cease to exist by 2020.The article has been modified to more accurately reflect the Scarboro Missions plans for continuing their apostolate.

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