Despite concerns, and at least one warning, Pope Francis appears to have won the hearts of at least two Italian mobsters. According to a leaked recording of a bugged conversation between two mafia leaders at a prison in Milan, both Salvatore Riina (pictured), a leading member of the Cosa Nostra and Alberto Lorusso of the…

A leading biotechnologist in Ireland has offered a cautious welcome for the newly opened stem cell manufacturing centre at NUI Galway. Responding to news that the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) had received its approval from the Irish Medicines Board to commence production of adult stem cells for research purposes, Professor Martin Clynes of…

One of Ireland’s most prominent religious sisters and theologians has said that she does not think that the Church’s teaching on the ordination of women priests “is right”. Sr Geraldine Smyth OP, associate professor at the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD, told The Irish Catholic she does not think that the teaching stands up though…

The mother of a young Irishman who became the person with Down Syndrome to intern with Vatican Radio has urged other parents to “reach for the stars” after her son’s experience. Speaking to The Irish Catholic after her son, Michael, ended a successful placement with the Vatican’s media network, May Gannon said “we never, as…

A drummer with one of Britain’s leading rock bands of the 1970s has written of his dramatic discovery of his Catholic faith. Terry Chimes, a founding member of the influential group The Clash, also lent his talents to other leading rockers of the day, including Billy Idol and Black Sabbath. Now, in his autobiography, Chimes…

Call comes after doves snatched by predators

Calls for Govt to clarify its position on religious education

The move was proposed before Tanaiste Eamonn Gilmore’s decision to reopen Ireland’s Embassy to the Holy See

Seleka rampages through Bocaranga

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin says Catholic schools must be confident in their own identity