A medical facility in Kenya is claiming a first in its renaming as the St John Paul Maternity Hospital. Immediately after the Sunday canonisation of the Polish Pontiff the planned change of name for the facility at Isiolo came into effect, creating what is believed to be the first to bear his canonised title. Operating…

Shatter’s ‘unjust’ decision deeply offends families

Joggers arrive in time for John Paul canonisation

SDLP Health Spokesperson Fearghal McKinney criticised the inclusion of the SDLP on an official letter from Sinn Féin attempting to explain their policy on abortion.

Michael Kelly In Rome

Sinn Féin has been forced to apologise to Bishop John McAreavey after the party was caught misrepresenting the bishop’s position on abortion. Sinn Féin had claimed in election literature that Bishop McAreavey shared the party’s support for abortion. Dr McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore, said that he accepted the apology but criticised the party for trying…

"Who am I before the suffering Jesus?" This was the question posed by Pope Francis this week as he commenced celebrations to mark Holy Week. Leading events marking Palm Sunday, and in anticipation of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the Pope posed his question for all faithful during his audience in St Peter’s Square. In…

Venezula has formally invited Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to mediate in the country’s ongoing civil crisis. Having reached an agreement with members of the opposition for such a move, President Nicolas Maduro issued a letter of invitation on April 9 requesting that Pope Francis allow the former Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela (2009-2012)…

Pope Francis has described human trafficking as “an open wound” on society during a Vatican-backed conference on the issue. Addressing delegates drawn from law enforcement agencies worldwide, who had gathered in Rome for the two-day conference, April 9 and 10 – Combating Human Trafficking: Church and Law Enforcement in Partnership – the Pontiff expressed his…

The Vatican Media Centre has opened to accommodate the thousands of journalists flocking to Rome both for the Easter celebrations at the Vatican and the dual canonisations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. Located in the Pope Paul VI Hall, the centre will coordinate the work of journalists across print, television and radio.…