Pope Francis’ leadership has been key to improving diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See, an expert in Vatican diplomacy claims. Victor Gaetan told The Irish Catholic that, according to sources in Rome, it was “the Irish Government’s willingness to work with Pope Francis that inspired it to re-open its embassy in 2014”. Mr Gaetan, author…
Staff reporter The North’s Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) this week announced the timeframe for a phased release of data from the census held across the region last year. The agency said that the first results on raw population statistics will be published by June, with further Census 2021 results published in stages until summer 2023. The…
The popular author and publisher Colm Keane has died after a cancer diagnosis. Over recent decades he created some 29 books, many of which were highly successful. He touched an enormous number of people through the books he and his wife Una O’Hagan, published through the small publishing firm they founded and ran themselves. In…
Staff reporter Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has used the 50th anniversary of the unlawful killing of 14 unarmed Catholics by the British army to criticise the fact that no one has ever been prosecuted. “Very painfully, the Bloody Sunday families were denied for too long the truth about what happened to their loved…
Senator Rónán Mullen has suggested that the abortion review chair appointee should “honourably withdraw”. This comes in light of the appointee, Ms Marie O’Shea’s, past social media activity which shows a preference for the repeal of the 8th Amendment, and the legalisation of abortion in the State. Examples included “retweeting a post in favour of…
There is a “grace-filled art in forgiving and remembering” the bishop of the Diocese of Derry has said on the 50th anniversary Mass of Remembrance for the victims of Bloody Sunday today. In his homily, Bishop Donal McKeown said it takes “a wise heart to look at the rubble of what has been shattered in…
Chai Brady, Ruadán Jones and Jason Osborne Four bishops have called for all the faithful to be welcomed back to parishes as excitement grows after restrictions were lifted north and south of the border. Bishop of Achonry Paul Dempsey said the lifting of restrictions is a “great opportunity” to welcome people back “to experience what…
The director of the Loyola Institute Dr Michael Kirwan said it’s “really important” that people have confidence in their grasp of theology if the Irish synodal process is to be fruitful. Dr Kirwan, who is a professor in systematic and pastoral theology, told The Irish Catholic people are being asked “to have an enormous level…
Staff reporter American actor and Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf went on pilgrimage to the hometown of Padre Pio as part of his preparations to play the Italian saint in an upcoming biopic. Mr LaBeouf, who starred in the Transformers franchise, visited San Giovani Rotondo where Padre Pio lived and served from 1916 until his death…
Family and friends of Belfast teenager Fionntán McGarvey heard of how his “big smile, his love and his friendship, with his talent and sportsmanship,” lit up the sky in their lives during his funeral on Monday. Police have launched a murder investigation after the 18-year-old died last Thursday in the Royal Victoria Hospital. This was…
Ruadhán Jones
Peter Costello
Chai Brady