Catholic bishops said the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating an already grave imbalance in living conditions and opportunities, alongside an “unbridled race to exploit hydrocarbons” in its parks and nature reserves. “We are concerned about a degradation of the political discourse that threatens a collapse in the national unity, reconciliation, justice and peace, which have been…
Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death. But visiting Mosul and Qaraqosh in northern Iraq on Sunday, he also urged the Christians to live up to their faith and honour the sacrifice of those…
The move to allow homeless people from outside Dublin access to hostels has been welcomed by Fr Peter McVerry, who said it’ll “make a big difference” to those on the capital’s streets who come from outside Dublin. This comes in the wake of the RTÉ Investigates which revealed that homeless people in the capital were…
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi of Dar es Salaam told Catholic News Service it was time for the country to accept that Covid-19 exists, noting that denying the truth has led to loss of lives and a lot of people getting sick. “Covid-19 is still with us and we should stop being careless,” he said. “Let…
Living Laudato Si’ Lent has always invited us into a desert experience, but this year we are experiencing a real wilderness. The pandemic has forced us all into spaces where we are faced with big questions and worries. In Pope Francis’ new book, Let Us Dream, he says that to enter into crisis is to…
Pope appeals for end to violence in Myanmar Pope Francis appealed for an end to deadly violence against protesters in Myanmar, calling on the military junta to free political prisoners and let dialogue and the journey toward democracy prevail. Appealing to those now ruling the nation – the government was overthrown in a military coup…
The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all you who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” The entrance antiphon for today’s Mass is the perfect antidote to any darkness or frustration one might be feeling as the lockdown continues. The…
Dear Editor, Fair play to the Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler for acknowledging the importance of Mass for people of faith’s mental health [IC 04/03/2021] but to be honest it’s too little too late. For a large part of the last year we have been denied the sacraments. I understand the reason for the…
Japanese billionaire seeks eight people for Moon trip Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has invited eight people to join him for a trip around the moon on a SpaceX flight, according to the BBC. “I want people from all kinds of backgrounds to join,” he said in a video via Twitter, sharing a link to application…
Bishops address concern over Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s abortion link Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, approved February 27 by the US Food and Drug Administration, raises moral concerns because it “was developed, tested and is produced with abortion-derived cell lines”, the chairmen of two US bishops’ committees said March 2. The bishops…