International News

Russia has rejected the Vatican's offer to host talks for ending the war in Ukraine, despite international support for the idea.

In the Flannery O'Connor short story "Good Country People," a mother ruefully wishes her offspring had chosen another career path than philosophy because, "You could not say, 'My daughter is a philosopher.' That was something that had ended with the Greeks and Romans."

With France poised to vote on a controversial "assisted dying" bill, the country's Catholic bishops have launched an unprecedented public campaign urging Catholics to speak out.

Catholic bishops from Europe and Africa have issued a strong joint statement warning that Africa is once again becoming a "battleground for external interests"—particularly over land, resources and Europe's climate agenda.

Reflecting on the conclave that saw the election of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong says he is hopeful the new pontiff will continue along the same path of dialogue and engagement with China as his predecessor—a deal that had prominent and outspoken critics.

Catholic bishops are calling for prayer after two Israeli Embassy staff members were slain late May 21 outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.

The Mexican bishops' conference has condemned a massacre of seven young people—including minors—at a parish festival, while urging action on the part of authorities amid rising violence and warning the population to avoid indifference in the face of recurring atrocities.

Optimism abounds in the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy as it appears he could prove to be an important ally of Ukraine and its pursuit of a peace deal as its war with neighbouring Russia endures.

A move to hold talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican appeared to gain momentum May 19, following a call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The day after his inauguration Mass, Pope Leo XIV had a closed-door meeting at the Vatican with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who gave him a Chicago Bears jersey and a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump.