News/International
Bill would prohibit making religion basis for anyone to enter U.S.
By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – Talk in the U.S. presidential campaign about restricting entry of Muslims into the United States has some religious leaders concerned that the country's religious liberty heritage is under threat.
Italy's civil unions bill a defeat for family, democracy, bishop says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceROME – The Italian government's approval of a controversial bill that grants legal recognition to non-married heterosexual and homosexual couples is a defeat for democracy and family life, an Italian bishop said.
Philippine priest says Duterte's win is reminder 'people want change'
By Simone Orendain, Catholic News ServiceMANILA, Philippines – Philippines President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's win in May 9 national elections was "a strong reminder that people want change," said Fr. Anton Pascual, president of Radio Veritas, the country's largest Catholic radio network.
Pope to set up commission to study women deacons
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis told the heads of women's religious orders from around the world that he would set up a commission to study the New Testament deaconesses and he also insisted more can and should be done to involve lay and consecrated women in church decision-making at every level.
Jesuit Refugee Service urging Kenya to reconsider closing refugee camps
By Catholic News ServiceNAIROBI, Kenya – Jesuit Refugee Service has urged Kenya to reconsider its plans to close camps that host hundreds of thousands of Somali and South Sudanese refugees.
Nigerian scientist to MPs: Bringing abortion to Africa reeks of 'cultural imperialism'
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA – Canadian plans to export abortion to Africa “reeks of colonialization and it reeks of cultural imperialism,” a Nigerian scientist told a gathering of MPs and senators.
PM urged to hold Canadian mining companies to account for abuses
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA – The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to heed a letter from more than 160 Latin American organizations that has raised concerns about the operations of Canadian mining companies abroad.
Get up, be faithful to God, Philippine bishops' head says after election
By Simone Orendain, Catholic News ServiceMANILA, Philippines – The head of the Philippine bishops' conference said it was time to "get up" and be faithful to God, as millions of Filipinos elected Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte president.
Vatican funds job-creation project for refugees in Jordan
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican is funding a job-creation program for Iraqi refugees in Jordan, a country that is hosting close to 1.5 million refugees, but is struggling to provide work for them.
French government battles intolerance with new public relations campaign
By Elizabeth Bryant, Religion News ServicePARIS – On a sunny spring morning, an 18-year-old college student wrapped a scarf around her head to feel what it would be like to wear a veil.
Christian, Muslim leaders say religion can 'humanize' society
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Catholic and Muslim leaders meeting in Rome said religion can humanize and civilize communities when followers actually adhere to their faith's teachings about loving God and neighbor.