The long-serving Cardinal Walter Kasper has condemned the USA’s treatment of migrants. Every Christian party must be aware of the importance of migration, he says, also with regard to Germany. Cardinal Walter Kasper has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump. “In my opinion, the way in which the current President of the USA is dealing…
Doctoral thesis of Leo XIV sheds light on his understanding of ministry
The new pope’s early academic work reveals a theological approach to authority, community and church order. Decades before his election as pope, Leo XIV – as Augustinian Robert Prevost – developed a theological vision of ecclesiastical authority and community. Today, it allows us to draw conclusions about his leadership style as head of the Catholic…
Deputy Mattie McGrath Condemns WHO Pandemic Treaty as WHA Meets in Geneva: “Ireland Must Defend Its Sovereignty”
Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath, has today strongly reiterated his opposition to the proposed World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic treaty, as the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) meets this week in Geneva to finalize negotiations on the agreement. Deputy McGrath warned that the Pandemic treaty poses a grave threat to Ireland’s sovereignty, democratic…
Spain’s patron saint laid out again after 1914 – bishop outraged
A strange dispute has broken out in the diocese of Salamanca over the handling of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Spain’s patron saint. The reason for this is the reinterment of her badly decomposed body for public veneration – an occasion last seen in 1914. Despite the lively response in the Alba de Tormes Basilica,…
Pope Leo XIV – A media professional on the throne of Peter? Traditions, social media and staging in the Vatican
How did Pope Leo XIV become a social media star in just a few days? Media experts explain why his pictures are no coincidence and what we can expect from him in the future. “It was perfect,” says historian René Schlott. He reviews the conclave and the first appearances of Pope Leo XIV. Schlott has…
New poll shows huge opportunity for Church to reach young people
A leading professor in the sociology of religion has said that the Church in Ireland has a “great opportunity” to bring the message of the Gospel and Christianity in an attractive way to new generations who “search for meaning” online. Speaking to The Irish Catholic after the release of an Amárach poll showing a disconnect…
Dublin Lay Ministers commissioned in new Diocesan Pastoral Council
Eighteen members of the first Dublin Diocesan Pastoral Council (DDPC) were commissioned for ministry on Lay Ministry Sunday, May 18. This event is the result of an extended period of “prayerful discernment,” as mentioned during the ceremony. Patricia Carroll, Pastoral Coordinator in the Archdiocese, emphasised the role of the Diocesan Council. “This is different from…
‘AI in the classroom? Use it wisely,’ says priest
With exam season underway and major changes to the Leaving Cert incoming, the question of AI use in schools has never felt more urgent. Fr Philip Larrey, Catholic priest and AI ethicist, says artificial intelligence can support learning but only if used wisely. “You can use AI to train,” he told The Irish Catholic. “It…
Bishop steps in as PP as priest shortage squeezes diocese
Bishop Michael Duignan will act as Parish Priest in name for the Parish of Ennistymon and Lahinch, as former PP Willie Cummins has now retired. In a letter from the bishop to the parishioners, he mentioned how “falling congregations and a shortage of priests have left our parishes facing many challenges. I will now need…
Five Padre Pio relics available for veneration in Thurles this weekend
Thousands are expected to gather for the national St Padre Pio pilgrimage in Holycross Abbey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. This weekend relics coming from the St Pio Foundation in the US will be available for veneration on May 24 and 25. With the Leaving Cert approaching, many students turn to Padre Pio, but Fr Celsus Tierney,…