A Co. Down native and former British ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Campbell has been appointed president of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, one of the world’s leading philanthropic bodies supporting research at the intersection of faith, science and human flourishing. Mr Campbell will take up the role in the fourth quarter of 2026,…
One child in every six who might have filled a junior infants classroom in this country is missing because of abortion
Quotes from Eilís Mulroy of the Pro Life Campaign to The Irish Catholic: “The latest statistics from the Department of Health showing that 10,852 abortions took place in a single year represents a 280% increase since the law changed following the 2018 referendum. This amounts to a national tragedy and is a far cry from…
Barrister claims Irish media sidelines dissent on contested issues
Laoise de Brún has accused the Irish media of “manufacturing consent” on contested social issues, arguing that “they prepare the ground for Government policy by manufacturing consent and amplifying the official narrative around the issues of the day”. Writing in this paper about her experience campaigning on gender policy, Ms de Brún says that after…
‘Care and compassion do not mean helping someone die,’ says baroness
Baroness Nuala O’Loan has warned that proposals to legalise assisted suicide risk redefining “care and compassion” as the facilitation of death, arguing instead that true compassion lies in providing proper care and support at the end of life. Speaking amid ongoing debates in Westminster, Scotland and the Isle of Man, the crossbench peer said the…
Minister responds to judgment on Religious Education and collective worship
Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a comprehensive response to the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools. The package includes a review to revise the Religious Education (RE) curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection of RE across all schools. There are no plans to…
Thousands of voters removed from new Seanad register
Thousands of graduates who voted in previous Seanad elections have been removed from the voting register, and most people affected are unaware, said Independent Senator Rónán Mullen. Senator Mullen is calling on all Irish graduates to re-claim their right to vote on the www.seanadvoter.ie website, or by writing to SeanadVoter.ie at P.O. BOX 13784, Dublin 2. A new six-seat constituency,…
Newly installed Bishop of Raphoe says his first task is to be a disciple
Newly installed Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll said his first responsibility as bishop is not to outline plans or priorities, but to be a disciple who faithfully follows Christ. Preaching at his Installation Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, on Sunday, January 25, Bishop Coll reflected on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, explaining that Christ did…
SVP report record demand for help in 2025
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) says it received a record 260,799 requests for assistance in 2025, a 6% increase on 2024, with demand rising sharply in the run-up to Christmas. December requests were 12% higher year-on-year. Food remained the biggest driver of need, with 112,772 food requests in 2025, while requests for…
Jesus Christ reveals the Father
In week two of his Dei Verbum catechesis, Pope Leo XIV says we know the Father by entering the Son’s relationship with him, in the Spirit. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! We will continue the catechesis on the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum, of Vatican Council II, on divine Revelation. We have seen…
Letters of the Week
Baptism is a non-negotiable gift Dear Editor, it is with shock and incredulity that I heard that Mary McAleese made a broadside on infant baptism. Baptism has been described as a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap. I find it tragic that a woman of her standing, intelligence, and qualifications could conclude her adult faith formation in this way.…









