Russia’s bishops said Catholics face dilemmas responding to a mass call-up for the war in Ukraine, and they urged President Vladimir Putin’s government to recognise conscientious objection. “The confrontation in Ukraine has grown into a full-scale military conflict and already claimed thousands of lives, undermining trust and unity between countries and peoples, and threatening the…
The patriarchs and leaders of Christian Churches in Jerusalem praised Jordan’s King Abdullah II for turning a spotlight on what they say is “the deteriorating situation of Christian basic human rights” in the city and throughout the Holy Land. The king, in his speech to the UN General Assembly September 20, said, “Today, Christianity in…
President Michael D. Higgins has called on the leader of Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime Daniel Ortega to release hundreds of prisoners. The President called on President Ortega, a former friend, to release people “who have a right to participate in debate on the future of their country”. The European Parliament passed a motion last month calling…
After only two days, the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court adjourned the trial of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, 90, and four co-defendants, until October 26. The trial began September 26 and had been scheduled for five days, but the magistrate adjourned the trial when defence lawyers attempted to cross-examine police witnesses called by the…
Vatican restricted East Timor archbishop after abuse allegations After a Dutch newspaper published an investigation into abuse allegations against retired Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo of Dili, the Vatican said it had become aware of the allegations several years ago and placed restrictions on him. The newspaper De Groene Amsterdammer said it began its investigation…
Staff Reporter An Irish priest has been tapped by Pope Francis to take over the Vatican’s dialogue with the worldwide Anglican Communion. Fr Martin Browne OSB, a monk of Glenstal Abbey, will shortly take up the appointment in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity The Irish Catholic can reveal. It is a key time…
Staff reporter The number of Catholic marriages in the North returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2021, statistics from the Registrar General’s annual report show. Some 2,205 Catholic marriages took place in Northern Ireland in 2021, significantly more than the 844 in 2020 and on par with the 2,216 in 2019. Catholic marriages made up…
Staff reporter Europe has been warned to be “careful” to ensure member states, respect access to abortion following the election of Italy’s likely new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Ms Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party won the most votes in Italy’s snap-election on Sunday, with Ms Meloni saying they would “govern for everyone” and wouldn’t betray…
Staff reporter Senator Ronán Mullen launched an Oireachtas essay competition on the theme “Parliamentary Politics Matter” for second-level students in Leinster House, September 22. Speaking at the launch, Senator Mullen warned that Ireland faces a time when “many people are wondering about the quality of our politics and the future of democracy itself”. He hoped…
Staff Reporter The Sisters of Mercy will maintain their presence on the board of trustees of Mary Immaculate College, the sisters have told The Irish Catholic. A spokesperson for the sisters confirmed that the order will continue its almost 125-year involvement in the Catholic third-level institute. It comes as speculations circulated that the sisters, who…