Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said that the challenge of the Pope’s visit for the World Meeting of Families is to remain open to diverse families while underlining the Church’s unchanging teaching about marriage. Speaking at the annual Chrism Mass in Dublin’s pro-cathedral, Dr Martin said that “families are under enormous challenge” in modern Ireland. He…
Category: Irish News
Pope urged to reconsider plan not to go to the North
IC poll finds 68% would support trip Northern bishops have vowed to work to overturn a Vatican decision that would see Pope Francis skipping a historic trip to the North during his planned Irish visit this August. There has been widespread disappointment at the fact that the anticipated papal trip for the World Meeting…
‘Huge moment for nation’ as Ireland reacts to Papal trip confirmation
Anticipation and excitement are growing in what is being described as a time of “great celebration for the Catholic faithful” after Pope Francis confirmed his trip to Ireland. The Pontiff stated he will visit Ireland for two days in August for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). He will take part in the Festival of…
Nationwide ‘Stand Up For Life’ rallies announced
The Pro-Life Campaign and the LoveBoth Project have announced a series of six regional rallies entitled ‘Stand Up For Life’, organised as part of a nationwide grassroots effort to save the Eighth Amendment ahead of the referendum. The ‘Stand Up For Life’ rallies are due to be held from April 2-7. The first regional rally will…
Marie Collins rejects claims of papal visit snub
Leading child protection campaigner Marie Collins has dismissed reports that she has not been invited to meet Pope Francis during his visit to Ireland this August. The Irish Independent reported the claim on Saturday in an article titled ‘Clerical abuse survivor not invited to meet Pope’. The article added that Mrs Collins had called on…
Proposed abortion law ‘exact opposite’ of healthcare – medical group
An alliance of medical professionals who oppose repealing the Eighth Amendment have said the proposal of unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy is the “exact opposite” of what they were trained to do. Speaking on behalf of the Medical Alliance for the 8th at a press conference on Kildare Street in Dublin, Dr…
‘Be family’ to those who feel cut off, urge primates
Jesus’ direction to Mary and the apostle John to care for each other as mother and son is “a moment for all time”, the Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops of Armagh have said. In a joint Easter message, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Church of Ireland Archbishop Richard Clarke said in a time when…
In brief
Monsignor’s appointment is welcomed Bishop of Cloyne William Crean has welcomed the appointment of Msgr Joseph Murphy to the position as Head of Protocol Office of the Secretariat of State, taking over the role from Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt. Bishop Crean said: “This is a great personal honour for Msgr Joe, and his family, the laity and clergy…
Life is sacred and a human right – bishop
Bishop Francis Duffy of Ardagh and Clonmacnois has defended the Eighth Amendment as a “life-affirming constitutional provision” and has argued that the issue merits discussion from the perspective of Church teaching. In the pastoral letter released on March 23, the bishop said that human life begins at conception and that nobody has the right to…
Bishop uses Chrism Mass to pay tribute to priests
Bishop Denis Nulty has paid tribute to the tireless work of priests – many of them elderly – in parishes across the country. Speaking at the annual Kildare and Leighlin Chrism Mass on Monday of Holy Week, Dr Nulty referred to the fact that it is an occasion for priests to renew the commitment of…


Colm Fitzpatrick
Chai Brady
Greg Daly




