The late Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero was a martyr, a panel of theologians advising the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes has ruled, unanimously declaring he was killed “in hatred for the Faith”. As a miracle is not needed for the beatification of a martyr, the decision is an important step towards the beatification of the…

New charity laws here which require dioceses and parishes to publish financial reports will bring greater transparency to the sector, the head of an agency charged with policing the laws here has said. Úna Ní Dhubhghaill, Chief Executive Designate of the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) told The Irish Catholic the new laws present a “real…

Mexico’s Cardinal-designate Alberto Suarez Inda had planned to retire as archbishop of the crime-ravaged diocese of Morelia, but in May was asked by Pope Francis “to wait, to endure, to resist”, he has revealed in an interview, adding that he had never expected to be appointed cardinal. One of five bishops who signed a statement…

Fr John Quinn baptising Lucy Drew Quinn, daughter of Jamie and Enda Quinn, Longford who was one of the first children to be baptised in St Mel’s Cathedral since it re-opened in December following a five-year rebuilding project. Photo: Tiernan Dolan

As many as 2,000 people have been killed and several churches burned in Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria since the January 3 capture of the military base at Baga, on the Chad border. Amnesty International say most of those killed were women, children and the elderly, with about 30,000 people having fled. Agenzia Fides reports…

A Mass is being held in Dublin next week to mark the first anniversary of the tragic death of Tom O’Gorman, a well-known Catholic activist. His friends have organised an anniversary Mass at 3pm on Saturday, January 24 in Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock, where Tom served for many years as a Minister…

Vatican backs battle to beat Ebola with €3m fund Rome is committing €3m to the fight against Ebola in Africa, and has encouraged other donors to supplement these funds.  Expanding the Catholic Church’s Commitment to the Ebola Emergency Response details the Church’s work in battling Ebola in such countries as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.  Acknowledging how African healthcare institutions are “severely challenged…

The Irishman tapped to be the Pope’s new representative to Haiti has said he will bring a message of hope to the country still struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake. Clare-born Archbishop Eugene Nugent, who is currently Apostolic Nuncio in Madagascar, told The Irish Catholic his mission from the Pontiff is primarily about bringing…

Elephants from a Buddhist temple are present as Pope Francis arrives at the international airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Samuel McNally (7) from St Aidan’s parish in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford proudly displays the Christmas card he received from Pope Francis. Samuel had made his own cards for Christmas and sent one off to Pope Francis. He was delighted when the Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland forwarded him a Christmas card and photo from the Pope…