Referendum not about “correcting the wrongs of the past”

Following the election of former military dictator General Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria’s presidency, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations in Geneva has called on the international community to assist Nigeria and its neighbours in dealing with the Boko Haram insurgency. Expressing concern about the group’s alignment with the Islamic State (ISIS) organisation…

Bishop Donal McKeown paid a visit to Year 8a's PE lesson in St Joseph's Boys' School in Derry to see a new ‘Sport and Faith’ programme piloted in three schools over the past six weeks. The programme, which integrates Gospel meditation into PE lessons, was created by the Diocesan Catechetical Centre and PE teachers, Emmet Thompson, St Joseph's Boy's…

An expelled Indian nun's fight for compensation has inspired former priests and nuns in India for the introduction of mandatory severance payments similar to those offered to employees of private firms. A former Kerala nun of the Syro-Malabar Church, known only as ‘Anitha’, was expelled in February from the Italy-based Sisters of St. Agatha after…

An Irish priest based in Kenya has said the “horrifying massacre” at Garissa University College overshadowed the country’s Easter celebrations, but Christians have vowed not to allow the atrocity to create tension with the Muslim community. Fr Patrick Devine SMA, originally from Co. Roscommon and with over 25 years’ experience in Eastern Africa, said the…

Many modern-day slaves don’t realise they are being exploited, according to the new coordinator of Talitha Kum, a Rome-based international network of over 1000 religious sisters working to end human trafficking. Comboni Missionary Sr Gabriella Bottani told Global Sisters Report of trafficked girls: “They don't see what happens to them as servitude. They say, ‘Well,…

Bishop Leahy struck by “youthful honesty and passion” in Limerick

Christian students were deliberately targeted in the Islamist attack on the Garissa University campus, according to Kenyan police. 148 people were killed and many more wounded during the 15-hour siege, which ended only after four militants were killed. The Somali-based al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attack.  Nairobi’s Cardinal John Njue condemned the attack, calling…

The world’s oldest known person has credited her faith for her longevity. “It’s the Lord. Everything is in his hands,” said Jeralean Talley, who will turn 116 next month. The US-born woman became the oldest person in the world following the death this week of fellow American Gertrude Weaver. Ms Talley, who was born on…

The moon is seen over Rome’s Colosseum as Pope Francis leads the Good Friday Way of the Cross. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)