International News

WASHINGTON -- Citing consequences from the abuse scandal, a financial statement from the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, lists a $5 million loss for fiscal year 2019 and in an interview with the diocese's newspaper, the apostolic administrator says a decision will be made soon about whether to file for bankruptcy and reorganize under Chapter 11.

BEIRUT -- In a clinic adjoining a Catholic church, Samira Roncaglia cheerfully welcomed the young couple with their newborn, guiding them to the pediatrician.

Asia Bibi, the Catholic woman acquitted of blasphemy after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan, described herself as "a prisoner of fanaticism" in her newly published autobiography.

LYON, France -- A French cardinal welcomed an appeal court judgment that overturned his suspended jail sentence for failing to report abuse, but confirmed he will ask Pope Francis to allow him to resign.

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints said in a Jan. 24 statement that the football team has "no interest in concealing information from the press or public" in any matter related to clergy sex abuse.

SYDNEY -- Three Sydney priests have swapped clericals for camouflage to join the 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists providing support to firefighters and communities in the grip of the bushfire crisis.

HONG KONG -- The Chinese respiratory coronavirus has spread to almost every province in mainland China, which extended its Spring Festival holiday by three days to delay travel by up to 500 million people.

CALABASAS, Calif. -- As the world mourned the loss of basketball great Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a tragic helicopter crash Jan. 26, many recalled how Bryant gave much credit to his Catholic faith for seeing him through the bad times and strengthening his marriage and family.

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump credited attendees at the 47th annual March for Life for their commitment to protect the life of unborn and born children.

LOS ANGELES -- From his childhood days in Sudbury, Ont., through to his battle with cancer, Alex Trebek has believed in the power of prayer.