Doubts have been raised over Pope Francis’ planned trip to the war-torn Central African Republic later this month. Speaking at Sunday’s Angelus, the Pontiff called for the country’s warring opponents to “put an end to this cycle of violence”, and declared that he “hopes” to visit the beleaguered country.  Hitherto a papal visit over November…

A Spanish priest and an Italian public relations expert have been arrested by the Vatican following an investigation into the leaking of confidential documents from the Holy See. Msgr Lucio Ángel Vallejo Balda and Francesca Chaouqui were arrested after a probe investigating the dissemination of “news and confidential documents” to the journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi, whose…

The Holy See has distanced itself from claims that Pope Francis told an Italian journalist that ultimately all divorced Catholics who wish to receive Communion will be enabled to do so. Writing in La Republicca, veteran reporter Eugenio Scalfari claimed that during a phone conversation the Pontiff asked what he thought of the conclusions of…

Syria bishops call for negotiated solutions Syriac Catholic bishops have called for diplomatic solutions to achieve peace in Syria and Iraq. In a statement released at the conclusion of their annual synod, held in Harissa, Lebanon, the bishops urged countries, especially those directly involved in the Syrian conflict, to follow a path of “negotiation to…

The Living Church Office in the Diocese of Down & Connor hosted the Called and Gifted Course over two days in Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast. The course aimed to allow participants to explore how we are called by God and gifted for this call, looking at the critical role of charisms in the life and…

One 150 delegates attended the recent Diocesan Youth Ministry Conference held in Thornhill College, Derry. Representatives from over 30 parishes, 10 schools and several youth groups came together with clergy, religious and young people to plan the way forward with regard to developing faith opportunities for young people at parish level.  John McAreavey was the…

Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor, along with Auxiliary Bishop, Dr Anthony Farquhar, and other local members of the clergy, gathered with parishioners of the Parish of Bright and surrounding areas to celebrate the 150th Anniversary Mass for St Patrick’s Church, Legamaddy. Bishop Treanor celebrated the Mass, during which both the parish choir and…

Corkman Michael O’Flynn was recently honoured by Pope Francis when he was appointed a Knight of Saint Gregory. Such papal knighthoods are awarded to those who have given outstanding service to the Church on a voluntary basis. Mr O’Flynn, who is well known as a developer, has been advising the diocese over the past number of…