Sri Lanka – The bishops’ conference has condemned plans for a luxury casino resort in the country. Under plans backed by government and set to be funded by an Australian gambling magnate, an area centred on the western village of Katana has been earmarked for major multi-million euro development. Katana was reportedly chosen due to…

The grants will also bring relief to the thousands of board members of Catholic primary schools who give of their time voluntarily in managing primary schools

“It’s certain that he will be coming, but not when. We have to wait and see. Latin Patrarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Fouad Twal gives hints of a papal visit to Jerusalem in 2014.   “Pay attention to the ‘virus of individualism’ which only serves to make poor people always poorer.” Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of…

Pope Francis delighted a group in protestors in Rome last weekend when he approached them during an official visit to San Cirilloís church in the south of the city. Having learned the Pope would be present at the church, a small group attempting to raise awareness of evictions and homelessness staged a demonstration as the…

The conflict in Syria was at the heart of discussions between Pope Francis and Russiaís President Vladimir Putin, it has been reported. Following the November 25 private audience, the Vatican issued a statement in which it detailed various issues which had engaged the leaders, from bilateral relations and human rights. However, special attention was paid…

The Galway Franciscans and Poor Clares are celebrating a Year of the Holy Name of Jesus

A Vatican-run paediatric hospital in Rome is gearing up to provide a health mission to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. In an arrangement with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum and Caritas Internationalis, the Bambino Gesu Hospital will begin a three-month project to help, initially, some 4,000 children in need of care and medicines at the…

Pope Francis has announced that 2015 will be a year dedicated to consecrated life. As he addressed a gathering of delegates in Rome for the 82nd General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General last weekend, the Pontiff made his announcement during a lengthy question and answer session with the superiors. "A radical approach is…