Pope’s agenda cancelled for medical check-ups Pope Francis’ agenda was cleared on Friday for needed medical checkups, a Vatican spokesperson said. Francis, who is 85 years old, has been suffering from pain in his right knee, causing him to take smaller roles in some Vatican liturgies and to remain seated more often. “The Pope has…
Pilgrims from across Dublin diocese returned to Knock for the first diocesan pilgrimage since Covid restrictions were lifted. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell celebrated Mass for the pilgrims, who visited Knock Shrine Saturday, April 23. Archbishop Farrell said in his homily that Mary brings her family to the shrine “to see her and be seen…
A Catholic priest was expelled from Russia without explanation, amid fears for the well-being of other clergy ministering in the country. Fr Fernando Vera, a Mexican member of Opus Dei, left Russia in mid-April after being told his residence permit was revoked. Fr Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service…
More than 200 families and young adults attended Arise’s Easter conference in Tramore, Co. Waterford, for a weekend of Mass, talks, drama and family fun. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan celebrated Mass during the conference, while Edith Farley gave a talk on the blessing of family life. Christian theatre group Rise also…
Significant reduction in people sleeping rough in Dublin The Peter McVerry Trust has welcomed the significant reduction in the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin, down 27% year-on-year. Some 92 people were found sleeping rough in Dublin, according to figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive’s spring rough sleeper count, which took place end…
Peru’s Catholic bishops published a two-page plea to the country’s leaders, urging them to address the current political crisis with “greater responsibility” and take “radical measures” to fight corruption. “Our weak democracy cannot stand the instability any longer,” the bishops wrote. “It is crucial that both the executive branch and the legislative branch bring together people who…
Plea for Catholic schools to foster peace Michael Kelly in Rome Pope Francis has urged Catholic schools in Ireland to form students to work for mutual coexistence and peace in a fractured world. The Pontiff took time out of his busy Easter Week schedule to meet with representatives from the Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education…
Vatican clears Polish cardinal of abuse cover-up allegations The Vatican has wrapped up its own investigation and dismissed allegations that Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz had covered up cases of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy in his archdiocese. In a written statement released April 22, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland said the Vatican found…
Chai Brady and Jason Osborne Religious in Poland have praised the Church in Ireland’s response to the Ukraine crisis after €3.25 million was raised by parishes. Poland has taken in almost three million Ukrainian refugees, more than any other country. The Irish Catholic visited several sites where Church-charity Caritas and religious orders operate on the…
Brandon Scott and Ruadhán Jones The return of Easter celebrations to churches was a “very joyful occasion”, parishes across the country have said, with large attendances at all Easter liturgies. It was the first time in three years that parishes could celebrate Holy Week in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Joyful Fr Bernard Healy…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly