I have sometimes been asked by people in Britain: why are the Irish the most passionately pro-Palestinian of any nation? Why has Gaza been so central, even obsessive, to Irish politics, discourse and public demonstration? Gaza has taken more time in the Oireachtas than any other issue touching overseas policy. It has been a central…
Conference marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ gathered climate specialists Lord of life, bless this water: may it awaken our hearts, purify our indifference, soothe our pains and renew our hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.” It began with a touching gesture of great symbolic value made by Pope Leo XIV the October 1–3…
After decades of decline, signs suggest that Ireland’s younger generation might be leading a quiet return to faith. Research from the Bible Society and the recent Iona Institute poll points to a stabilisation and, in some places, a rising of church attendance among Gen Z. Exploring what this means for the future, the Iona Institute…
Northern Ireland can no longer be viewed as consisting of two groups, religiously speaking, namely the Catholic and the Protestants. What must also be added into the mix are the non-religious, who are growing in number. This is one of the main findings of a major new poll on attitudes to religion in the North.…
I have had my fair share of ‘pinch me moments’ over the past few years. Whether it was making The Letter Film with Pope Francis or premiering the film with President Higgins in Aras an Uachtaráin – these have been amazing moments. Two weeks ago, however, I experienced a moment which topped them all. It…
It was a surreal sight: Pope Leo and Arnold Schwarzenegger sharing the same stage. The serene successor of St Peter beside the muscled action hero from The Terminator movies — an unlikely duo, yet together they opened the Raising Hope conference at Castel Gandolfo with strength and conviction. The conference was organised by the Laudato…
My mum works in the Laudato Si’ Movement and asked me if I would like to interview Arnold Schwarzenegger as TY work experience. I came up with questions, and my mum sent them off to Arnold’s team. Out of the many requests he received, I was lucky he chose my questions. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in…
Change is the defining constant of the human story. To live is to accept that nothing stays the same. From one decade to the next, the world transforms industrially, technologically, and socially — always evolving into something new. Ireland, too, has changed. Not long ago, the Catholic Church stood unchallenged; to question it was to…
Czech Catholic bishops welcomed the results of the parliamentary elections on October 3–4, which saw a populist party win the most votes but fall short of a majority, while a far-left coalition that bishops had warned had an explicitly anti-Church platform failed to enter Parliament. The ANO 2011 party, led by billionaire former prime minister…
We can never say it’s enough,” stated Bl. Catherine McAuley on page two of her Familiar Instructions. For the past nearly two centuries, the Mercy Order has been responding to the needs of the vulnerable, the sick and the poor. Everything started with the leadership of a determined woman. On a visit to the Mercy…
Mary Kenny
David Quinn
Renata Steffens