In a world where profit is consistently put before both people and the planet, climate economics has everything to do with ethics and morality, according to a leading activist ahead of a Vatican conference. The Canadian Naomi Klein, best known for her criticisms of corporate capitalism and globalisation, had been invited to Rome to speak…
Courtney McGrail
South Africa must put people before profit – bishop
If structural issues in South Africa’s mining industry are not tackled soon, the country will see a repeat of the 2012 Marikana massacre, according to the head of South Africa’s episcopal conference’s Justice and Peace Commission. Bishop Abel Gabuza, responding to the publication of an inquiry report, warned that another Marikana could happen “if we…
Read and believe
A sign saying, "Good news: Jesus Loves You," is seen as Pope Francis arrives to greet participants in the Renewal of the Spirit meeting in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican July 3. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Vatican Round-up
One billion opportunities Growth in global tourism is an opportunity even more than a challenge for the Church, according to the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples. A statement issued in advance of World Tourism Day, which will take place on September 27, noted that there some 1 billion tourists…
Oldest Irish person thanks God
The oldest Irish person in history has died aged 113. Co. Clare native Kathleen Snavely passed away at a nursing home in New York on Monday. In an interview, she recalled arriving in the US with just a few dollars to her name. “I remember when I had nothing,” she said. “I just thank God…
RTÉ settles case with former archbishop
A case being taken against RTÉ by a former Catholic archbishop who had alleged that he was defamed by the broadcaster has been settled at the High Court. Richard Burke claims that material used in RTÉ’s Mission to Prey programme broadcast in May 2011 wrongly branded him as a paedophile. RTÉ had denied defamation. However,…
The World of Books
Ronsard’s rose garden is a pure delight Stratford-upon-Avon, especially in summer, is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions: the crowds come not to see the Royal Shakespeare Company at the theatre, but the birth place of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. The theatre with its celebrated productions is a truly vital place –…
Appeal made for info on Disappeared
Following the discovery in Co. Meath of what are believed to be the remains of Séamus Wright and Kevin McKee who were abducted and killed by the IRA, former NI police ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has appealed for information on the location of the remaining Disappeared. “The greatest problem is to persuade people to talk because…
Thousands are expected at pro-life rally
Thousands are expected to attend the island’s biggest pro-life event of the year this weekend, with Dublin hosting the All Ireland Rally for Life. Now in its ninth year the rally is alternately hosted between Dublin and Belfast, and the Dublin event in 2013 saw an estimated 60,000 people march through the capital’s main streets.…
Tributes paid to victims in Tunisia
Local bishops have paid tribute to the three Irish people killed by a gunman in Tunisia and offered their prayers and condolences to their families. Bishop Michael Smith of Meath paid tribute to Lorna Carty, a nurse from Robinstown as a woman “known to, and loved by, very many people”. “The brutal circumstances of Lorna’s…