Pope Francis prays in front of the coffin of Cardinal Roberto Tucci during his funeral Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on April 17. Cardinal Tucci, best known for having managed the travel logistics of Pope St. John Paul II, died April 14 in Rome at the age of 93. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

The North’s Justice Minister has been accused of “the worst form of discrimination” against unborn children with disabilities, following his recommendation for abortion in cases of life-limiting conditions. Following a public consultation process, Minister David Ford has proposed legislating for abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, but not in cases of rape or incest.…

The last the people of Kenya will do in the face of terrorist threats “would be to give up, to give up on ourselves, on anything” according to Nakuru’s Bishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba. Speaking in the aftermath of the massacre of 148 Christians at Garissa university, Dr Makumba said that while the atrocity was “very,…

Everyone walks away from the confrontation unscathed writes John L. Allen

Accountability on the agenda as Boston bishop opens dialogue with C9 Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley has spoken to Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinal Advisers about accountability for bishops who mishandle cases of clerical abuse, according to Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi. Explaining that there had not been a formal presentation on the issue, Fr Lombardi…

Talks on Colombia’s future reach a dangerous crossroads, writes Paul Keenan

St Colman’s Society for Catholic Liturgy is hosting the Fota VIII International Liturgy Conference in Cork from July 4-6 on the subject of the priesthood of the baptised, entitled ‘A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation: Aspects of the Priesthood of Baptism’. The conference speakers over the weekend include Prof. Dieter  Böhler, from Germany…

Archbishop Eamon Martin conferred the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders to the Permanent Diaconate on five men from the Archdiocese of Armagh: Martin Brennan, Armagh; Martin Cunningham, Ardee; Tony Hughes, Keady; Paul Mallon, Dungannon and Eamon Quinn, Donaghmore.

Cork Scripture Group has celebrated its second graduation with 19 graduates from the parishes of Ballingeary, Bandon, Bantry, Drimoleague/Drinagh, Dunmanway, Kilbrittain, Newcestown, Schull and Timoleague completing the two year Diocesan Certificate in Biblical Studies. The group received diocesan certificates signed by Bishop John Buckley of Cork and Ross, who was unable to attend, but sent…

“Ireland can play a hugely important role in influencing the debate away from the hysteria”