Church representatives meeting in Cairo have called for peace and coexistence in the region. The Executive Council of the Middle East Council of Churches urged “heads of state and religious and political decision-makers in the world, Arabs and Muslims” to work for the preservation of religious pluralism, saying it is “the most precious treasure of…

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The Pro Life Campaign has welcomed the result of a University College Cork debate where a motion on the Students’ Union taking a position on abortion was defeated by 36 votes to 31. PLC Deputy Chairperson Cora Sherlock, who spoke at the Philosophical Society-hosted debate, called the result “a positive step forward”, saying, “When people…

A delegation of 15 bishops, eight support staff and diocesan personnel have taken part in an information visit to the European Commission and to the European Parliament in Brussels. The group met with First Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr Frans Timmermans, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Phil Hogan as well as…

Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin returned to his native Derry to celebrate the vigil Mass for the Feastday of All the Saints of Ireland on November 6. Here Dr Martin is greeted by students from St Mary’s College at the Mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral.Photo: Stephen Latimer

A prominent Jesuit scholar and leading commentator on modern Irish Catholicism has died after being ill for some months. Fr Michael Paul Gallagher SJ died on Friday, November 6, in St Vincent’s Private Hospital, after the Anointing of the Sick and prayers with three Jesuit friends. He had been suffering from cancer since January. Born…

Joe Barrett A young Wexford woman, who obtained a total of €750 from two parish priests in Laois while claiming to be a social worker, has appeared at Portlaoise District Court on three counts of deception. Rebecca O’Leary (22) pleaded guilty to the three charges that occurred on October 8 and 12, twice from Portlaoise Parish…

Catholic officials have condemned a Mexican Supreme Court ruling on recreational marijuana use, following a 4-1 vote backing an injunction that allowed four individuals to grow and consume marijuana for recreational purposes.    “For the Church, this is a serious decision and an incredibly irresponsible decision that follows certain  fads, a certain mentality of individual…

The US bishops are considering approving a new introductory note and a limited revision of their quadrennial statement on political responsibility. “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” is reissued every four years and takes into account the latest issues dominating political debate, generally advising Catholic voters to consider the common good when going to the polls.…