Catholics should consider how to share the Church’s teaching on the family ahead of the World Meeting of Families, Armagh’s Archbishop Eamon Martin has said. Speaking in St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, at the formal launch of preparations for the ninth world meeting, which will take place in Dublin in August 2018, the archbishop said the…

Vatican refuses to be drawn on Rome-Beijing deal The Vatican is refusing to comment on a report by news agency Reuters that it is close to a final agreement with China on the appointment and official recognition of bishops. Amid rumours of progress in ongoing talks between representatives of the Vatican and Beijing, Reuters has reported that an agreement will be announced…

Pope Francis has said 2018’s World Meeting of Families is a gift to the Irish Church, Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said. Speaking in Drumcondra at the formal launch of preparations for the ninth global Catholic family gathering, which Dublin will host with Dr Martin presiding, the archbishop warned against allowing the meeting to be…

Bishops launch prayer day for Middle East peace Ireland’s bishops have extended an invitation to all the faithful to pray with them, and Pope Francis, this October 31 for peace in the Middle East, and especially for the people of Syria. Co-organised by the Catholic Church, Caritas International and the Lutheran World Federation – as Pope Francis travels to Sweden – the…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has offered a personal donation to restoration works on the tomb of Jesus at Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Mr Abbas announced his intention to make such a donation during an October 17 visit to the West Bank of Christian Church leaders representing the faith traditions having special responsibility for…