Month: February 2020

Pope calls for protection of Syrian women and children

Pope Francis has appealed for the protection of women and children fleeing violence in Syria, where more than half a million people have been displaced in the past two months. Around 520,000 have been displaced from their homes since December during the Syrian government’s offensive in Idlib province – Syria’s last rebel-held territory – which…

The future of Catholic voters is in our own hands

The concerns of Catholics were invisible in the election because Catholics 
made themselves 
invisible, writes 
David Quinn In the run up to the general election, there were a handful of statements from bishops such as Eamon Martin, Kevin Doran and Alan McGuckian but for the most part the Church kept as low a profile as…

Media must develop culture of respect, says Vatican communication head

The Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication has claimed that media has degenerated into platforms on which to disseminate hatred. Dr Paolo Ruffini said that communication is supposed to be constructive, connect people and promote understanding. However, the Vatican representative states that just as “evil cannot be fought with evil, truth cannot be served…

Tackle NI gambling says charity after MLA revelation

A Northern Irish charity has dubbed an MLA’s decision to speak openly about gambling’s severe impact on his life as “exceptionally brave”. CARE NI Policy OfficerMark Baillie welcomed Philip McGuigan’s openness regarding an addiction to gambling that cost him more than £100,000. “Stories like his help to raise awareness about the harms problem gambling can…

Bangladesh court supports ban on prenatal gender detection

The Bangladesh High Court has called for the government to justify its stance on allowing prenatal gender detection technology, which groups favouring gender equality and the right to life are seeking to ban. The court stated that the government must explain its failure to regulate the technology should not be considered as illegal. Supreme Court…