Burundi’s bishops have called for action to be taken to ensure the country’s elections take place safely. In a statement issued in the aftermath of the departure from the country of constitutional court vice-president Sylvere Nimpagaritse, the bishops’ conference urged support for elections so the institutions of state could “enjoy the confidence of the people”.…

‘Francis effect’ having tangible benefits for Church’s charities The “Francis Effect” is having a real impact on the work of Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s umbrella group of 164 aid and development charities, according to the Rome-based network’s secretary-general. Michael Roy says while the global economic crisis has meant few of the charities report significant increases…

Oscar winner says his success was a “gift” from God

Grace Akognon (6) with Leinster rugby player Isaac Boss at the launch of Children’s Hospice Week at LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice. LauraLynn is asking the public be a superhero for LauraLynn by texting 50300 SUPERHERO to donate €4 or hold a Hero Bake Off, Dress Up for a Day, or take part in a…

The Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey in Co. Galway and the University of Notre Dame in the United States have formed a partnership to create a centre to advance their shared spiritual, cultural and educational missions. The Abbess at Kylemore Abbey, Mother Maire Hickey said she was “delighted” that the university “has responded favourably to…

All-Ireland winning Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte has spoken of how his faith has helped him cope with the devastating loss of his daughter, Michaela, who was murdered four years ago. Michaela McAreavey, 27, was found strangled while on her honeymoon in Mauritius in January 2011. Nobody has ever been convicted of her murder. Asked…

To coincide with the May 23 beatification of Archbishop Oscar Romero, RTÉ is broadcasting a highly acclaimed documentary on El Salvador first shown 35 years ago. Who is for Liberation?, exploring the poverty, inequality, and increasingly oppressive political conditions then afflicting El Salvador, was originally shown a month before the assassination of Archbishop Romero. Revealing…

A Co. Meath couple met Pope Francis following their wedding ceremony in Rome

A senior Government minister has accused a number of TDs of being “obsessed” with the Catholic Church’s stance on abortion. Praising the Church’s role in education and healthcare here, Health Minister Leo Varadkar warned that some TDs were “a little bit obsessed with the Church for reasons I do not understand”. The minister was speaking…

No campaigners invite Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland to public debate