Paolo Affatato Walking through Viterbo, a charming town 40 km north of Rome, one has the feeling of taking a fantastic journey through time. In the historical centre, embraced by imposing and intact walls erected after the year 1000, the buildings, churches and palaces, all built with the local volcanic stone, the dark grey ‘peperino’…
We want to create a space where people can connect, not just through prayer but through sharing meals, stories, and experiences Renata Milán Morales hears This year marks the 40th anniversary of the All Ireland Rosary Rally, a milestone for an event that has become a highlight of the Irish Catholic year. Held each year…
Army chaplain Fr Paul Murphy forgives radicalised attacker In a testament to Faith, Fr Paul Murphy, a chaplain with the Irish Defence Forces, has publicly forgiven the teenage boy who attempted to take his life in a knife attack at Renmore Barracks, Galway, on August 15, 2024. Fr Murphy shared his reflections on the ordeal…
Growing public pressure alone has ensured that the conclave today is usually a matter of a few days. One papal election in history once lasted over 1,000 days. The inhabitants of Viterbo found this too colourful. People love the conclave – and the media love it even more. The highest level of secrecy, at the…
Historically, the time had once again been ripe for a religious man in the papal office. And the Jesuit Francis obviously wanted this to continue in the near future. Because he has massively increased the number of religious as voters. Jorge Mario Bergoglio has brought many superlatives to papal history from his native Argentina: he…
By: Christiane Laudage Popes have been choosing new names for over 1,000 years. What is the tradition behind this, which names are considered taboo – and what does the choice of name reveal about the future pontificate? White smoke above St Peter’s Square announces unequivocally: the Chair of Peter is once again occupied, a new…
By: Leticia Witte (KNA) Relations between the world Jewish community and the Vatican are strained – especially since 7 October 2023. What international Jewish organisations now expect from a new pope. It will not be easy for the next Pope to follow in the footsteps of Francis – this is the opinion of Chief Rabbi…
135 cardinals are eligible to vote, but not all of them will attend the conclave. Nevertheless, there is a record. Before the papal election, various topics are now on the table – and those affected by abuse are voicing criticism. Preparations for the biggest papal election of all time are in full swing in the…
In some way, Thérèse wanted me to have her book, because I would be aware of its significance, Renata Steffens hears. St Thérèse is one of the 37 Catholic saints recognised as a ‘Doctor of the Church.’ She is the second Carmelite nun to receive the distinction, after St Teresa of Ávila, and alongside with…
The Glens of Antrim are renowned for a few things. Its breathtaking volcanic emerald scenery, the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and, above all else, one of the finest hurling strongholds in Ireland. Yet, few are as celebrated or revered as the towering figure of Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton. A legendary name of the game that has become…
Renata Milán Morales
Chai Brady
Renata Steffens