American bishops have approved a formal statement on pornography and confirmed additions to their quadrennial statement on political responsibility. In the public portion of the November 16-19 autumn general meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the gathered bishops voted 210-21 with five abstentions for the 2015 version of their political responsibility document,…

Members of the Dominican order lead a candlelight procession through Athy, Co. Kildare after a farewell Mass in St Dominick’s Church attended by nearly 1,000 people to mark the order withdrawing from the town. This is the first of five closures announced by the Dominicans last year and the church will be converted into a…

Draw close to those others cast aside, Pope urges Pope Francis has called for greater attention to those whose health is affected by environmental degradation and pollution. Speaking to a conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council of Health Care Workers, he spoke of how he often meets sick people, especially children, afflicted with rare and inexplicable illnesses. “These rare diseases are the consequences…

A member of the Carabinieri, the Italian military police force, stands guard as people leave Pope Francis’ Angelus blessing in St Peter’s Square, where security has been ramped up following the November 13 terrorist attack in Paris. Photo: CNS

Shopping centres to hear of Pope’s message of love

Catholic publisher Veritas lost almost €2 million last year, according to the latest accounts. The company is now largely dependent on emergency loans from the hierarchy. The accounts also reveal that cash flow has been so limited at Veritas that the company has been unable to purchase stock for its network of shops selling religious…

Advocacy organisation calls for ‘leadership’

Pat Hume, wife of “Ireland’s greatest person” John Hume, has said she believes very strongly in the power of prayer and always encourages her grandchildren in their prayer lives. Speaking on RTÉ’s Sunday with Miriam, Mrs Hume told Miriam O’Callaghan that she believes “very strongly” in the power of prayer. Her normal practice over the…

A plaque is to be erected in the Vatican to honour World War II hero Msgr Hugh O’Flaherty on May 8 next year. The Kerry priest is believed to have been responsible for saving 6,500 POWs and civilians during the war. “The plaque will be erected on the wall of the Teutonicum, the Vatican’s German…

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin celebrated the annual Mass for the dead for the fruit and vegetable markets and Moore Street traders in Halston Street Parish in Dublin last Friday. Photo: John McElroy