The final days of Pope John Paul II had a profound effect on me, writes Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly is an award-winning writer and broadcaster specialising in religious and social affairs. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, he attended the Pontifical University St Patrick’s College, Maynooth where he obtained degrees in philosophy and theology and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome where he studied social institutional communications. From 2002-2005 he was an Editor in the Central Information Service of Vatican Radio. In this role, he travelled with Pope St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI on overseas trips. In 2005, he returned to Dublin to take up the position of Deputy Editor with The Irish Catholic newspaper, succeeding as Editor in 2012. He is a regular contributor to programmes on RTÉ, BBC, UTV, CNN and Al Jazeera. He also have extensive experience offering media training and coaching in the voluntary sector. Mr Kelly is a weekly columnist with Ireland’s largest-selling secular newspaper the Irish Independent and has been published in The Irish Times, the Irish Examiner, The Irish News, The Guardian, Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic World Report, the National Catholic Reporter and the National Catholic Register. He writes from Ireland for Catholic News Service of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Micheal finished his stint as Editor of The Irish Catholic in January 2024 and has taken up the position of Director of Public Affairs for Aid to the Church in Need Ireland.
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The new safeguarding body will face challenges
Abuse watchdog denies key report omissions
National Board breaks silence on controversy
‘Punish’ Bishops who ignore protection rules
The appointment by Pope Francis of abuse survivor and prominent campaigner Marie Collins has been welcomed as a sign of the Vatican’s serious commitment to make the voice of those who suffered abuse central in decision-making. The Vatican has announced that Mrs Collins will serve as a member of the newly-established Pontifical Commission for the…
Use your vote wisely
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Building Church from ground up
We should look to the early Church for inspiration