Staff Reporter The two national representative bodies for religious in Ireland are in the final stages of merging into a new organisation after an extensive series of talks.  The Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI) and the Irish Missionary Union (IMU), which have almost a complete overlap of membership, have been taking part in discussions with…

A French cardinal being investigated for his handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse has admitted mistakes and introduced new anti-abuse measures. Following a three-hour meeting with 220 priests, during which testimony from at least one abuse survivor was heard, Lyon archdiocese issued a statement on behalf of Cardinal Philip Barbarin. “The cardinal has accepted…

A Derry nun who was killed in an earthquake in Ecuador last month was described as a “striking example of womanhood” at her funeral on Monday. Sr Clare Crockett (33) was killed three weeks ago while trying to bring children to safety when a stairwell collapsed in Playa Prieta where she had been serving as…

Zambia’s hierarchy has criticised governmental failures to stop xenophobic violence, following attacks on Rwandan migrants. “The government must anticipate events and make every effort to stop these behaviours,” said Fr Cleophas Lungu, Secretary General of Zambia’s bishops’ conference, describing how following four murders, residents responded to rumours of ritual murders by deciding “to take justice…

Staff Reporter The newly-renovated basilica at the national Marian Shrine in Knock has been awarded the title of ‘Interior Architectural Project of the Year 2016’ at the Irish Design and Build Awards. The extensive overhaul of the basilica, which was designed by A&D Wejchert, included a full internal fit-out, some structural adjustment, a new sacristy and…

Medical research should aim at protecting life – Pope Francis Moral and ethical concerns must guide medical research so it is always directed to the protection of human life and dignity, Pope Francis has said. Speaking at a Vatican-hosted conference on adult stem cell research, the Pope said in this way research can “serve higher values, such as solidarity, generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge,…

An Irish missionary priest working in Brazil has warned that the cost of the Olympic Games being held there during the summer will “increase social problems for many years to come”.  Spiritan Fr George Boran told The Irish Catholic that there is “a lot of anger” among locals with regard to the “huge investment needed”…

The Pope understands that a worthy shepherd must have the pastoral instincts and authenticity that link him with the laity, writes Michael W. Higgins

The final tranche of reports from the national safeguarding board has been released, in advance of the introduction of new guidelines to aid Church bodies in safeguarding practice and procedures. Thirty bodies were reviewed in the final tranche, with five orders still active in ministry and with some contact with children being reviewed under the…