Americans have shifted toward a pro-life stance in recent weeks during a period when some states are considering legislation that would legalise abortion up until birth, according to a new poll. The Marist Poll at Marist College conducted in mid-February found that equal numbers of Americans – 47% – identified themselves as pro-life and as…
A local authority is remaining tight-lipped after a blasphemous video it funded and originally defended was apparently removed from a popular media-sharing website this week. Tipperary County Council confirmed to The Irish Catholic that it gave a local artist what it described as a “small grant” to develop the project which depicted the title character ‘Bootleg Jesus’…
Letter from Poland Paulina Guzik During a high-profile summit on clerical sexual abuse that wrapped up at the Vatican at the weekend, the late Pope John Paul II’s response to the scandals has been cited more than once – a surprise for many, perhaps, who thought the Church began taking the issue seriously only…
Claire Giangrave Charlie Gard and Alfie Evans, two infants with degenerative diseases who died once life support was withdrawn, became global cause celebres largely due to outspoken parents raising their voice for what they perceived as the best interest of their child, demanding that every possible avenue be explored to save their lives. But a…
The French bishops’ conference has condemned rising anti-Semitism in the country, as official data showed a massive increase of attacks, prompting new government measures. The conference president, Archbishop Georges Pontier of Marseille, wrote to France’s chief rabbi, Haim Korsia. “Attacks from seemingly religious motives on our fellow citizens are unacceptable; we stand beside you in…
Thomas Cromwell: A Life by Diarmaid MacCulloch (Allen Lane, €35) Robert Marshall “The evil that men do lives after them, / the good is oft interred with their bones…’ This apposite quotation from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar comes to mind when reflecting on this magisterial book written by Diarmaid MacCulloch about the life of Thomas Cromwell (1485 c.-1540). MacCulloch is professor…
Mindful Living Dr Noel Keating Meditation is the practice of being still in body and mind. When practiced from a secular perspective – for example, in the world of medicine – the intention is often focused on practical benefits for the individual who has taken up the practice. Meditation is enormously beneficial and, over…
Filmmakers of a new movie which depicts the reality of abortion in America have expressed outrage over the decision that it be R-rated. Anti-abortion movie, Unplanned, which is set for a March 29 release received an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This would be the first R-rated movie from distributor Pure…
Pope Francis has offered his solidarity and prayers to victims of a massive fire in the centre of the Bangladeshi capital, which has reportedly claimed well over 70 lives, at time of writing. “His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the loss of life and of the injuries caused by the conflagration in the…
Christian communities and the theology of bearing witness may help those struggling with eating disorders, an Irish academic has said. With Eating Disorder Awareness Week taking place from February 25 to March 3, Assistant Professor of Theological Ethics in Trinity’s Loyola Institute Jacob Erickson said: “Quite oftentimes with eating disorders there’s so much stigma and…