The Alabama Senate approved a bill yesterday that will outlaw nearly all abortion in the state. The bill, which is expected to be signed by Governor Kay Ivey, is intended to be a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that declared unconstitutional state measures prohibiting abortion. The Human Life Protection…
Christians recognise life’s great paradox that so much evil and temptation exist in the world, but that God is always present, too, ready to help and give people the strength to persevere, Pope Francis said. Each person has been given life, “dreams of love and the good”, but is then “continuously exposed to evil” aimed…
Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles said his new book addressing the church’s sexual abuse crisis and urging Catholics to “stay and fight for the body of Christ” comes from his “pastor’s heart”. “It is simply my statement coming out of my whole life as a Catholic – 33 years as a priest, almost…
Greg Daly and Chai Brady Parishioners should take advantage of politicians canvassing support and fundraising outside churches after Mass by holding them to account and quizzing them on their stances, Elphin’s Bishop Kevin Doran has said. Bishop Doran, who has in the past questioned the propriety of politicians in favour of redefining marriage or legalising abortion seeking funds…
The memory of L’Arche founder Jean Vanier can best be served by deliberately working to honour our common humanity, the CEO of L’Arche Ireland has said. Speaking to this newspaper following the death in Paris of Mr Vanier on Tuesday morning, Maireid Boland Brabazon said the founder of the L’Arche and Faith and Light movements…
Parents want their children taught about “respect for themselves and each other, consent, sexual orientation, contraception, STIs and the biological aspects of sexual health”, according to a major new survey of attitudes towards school sex education. The survey of several thousand teachers, parents and pupils took place under the auspices of the National Council for…
A ceasefire was called on this week after days of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, marking an end to a particularly violent weekend that saw approximately 30 people killed. Over the weekend, around 700 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip. While the majority of the rocket fire was intercepted by…
When Paris’ Cathedral of Notre-Dame caught fire, the world held its collective breath. The spire fell, and the wooden roof was reduced to ash, but the holy relics were saved, and the interior preserved from the worst ravages of fire. Now more than $1 billion (€960m) has been raised to restore Notre-Dame, and a video…
Hannah Harn looks into building good mental health through physical fitness Whether you cycle to work every day or are a professional athlete, routine exercise is a great way to keep in shape. However, studies show regular exercise and physical activity are just as good for your brain as they are for your body.…
Elise Harris Driving home his defence of migrants and refugees, Pope Francis told Bulgarian Catholics this week that the Church must always be a supportive community whose doors are open to all, especially those who are far away from home. As he often has in the past, the Pope in his May 6 speech…