The number of asylum applications in the European Union fell significantly last year. In Germany, which remains the country with the most asylum applications, the number fell by a third to 163,000. The main reason for this was fewer applications from Syrians: after the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024, they…
The General Secretariat of the Synod has published the Final Report of Study Group No. 5, examining women’s participation in the life and leadership of the Church. “When speaking about the role of women in the life of the Church, we must be aware that it is first and foremost a matter of cultural order,”…
The US and Israel launched joint military strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran, prompting the regime to retaliate with drone and missile attacks on Israel, American bases and assets, Gulf state airports and energy infrastructure, and other targets. As both sides continue to exchange firepower, Catholic theologians who spoke with EWTN News are cautioning…
A powerful escape – five Iranian female footballers used their stay in Australia to apply for asylum there. As it has now emerged, they received active support from the highest levels. The Australian authorities have apparently helped five Iranian women’s footballers to flee the country. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) shielded the players as they…
More than 300 students have applied for places at a proposed study-abroad programme at Mount Melleray Abbey, signalling growing momentum behind plans that supporters say could bring new life to the historic Cistercian Monastery. The initiative, led by Florida-based Catholic institution Ave Maria University, would see up to 100 students per semester study at the…
The New Ross Carmelite Sisters invited youth to the Avila Carmelite Centre on Saturday, February 28 for a day of education on the Carmelite way of life. “We decided to invite men and women…26 came and they traveled from Kerry, Cork, Sligo, Longford and Belfast to be with us,” said Sr Gwen, speaking to The…
“Experimentation feels like trying to make the Church more palatable to a secular audience,” said Trinity student Story Pennock to The Irish Catholic, in response to recent remarks by Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll about young Catholics’ search for solidity rather than adaptability in the face of increasing discussions around reform. Ms Pennock, a member…
“Who here wants to be happy?” Bishop Fintan Gavin asked as over 500 young people “lit up” the stage in Cork City Hall with a concert for Maranatha 2026 on February 26. The bishop addressed the students there to present, as well as the hundreds gathered to watch the show, inviting them to reflect on…
Northern Ireland is, by a very long distance, the most religiously affiliating region of the United Kingdom, with just 24% with no religion, a newly released research report has stated. The equivalent rate for the Republic is 32% identifying with no religion over the same period examined by the researchers, who add: “Meanwhile, a third…
The Evangelium young adult apologetics conference will take place in Cork on Saturday, March 21, marking the first time the annual gathering has been held outside the Dublin area. The event will bring together young adults aged 18–40 for a day of Mass, talks and discussion aimed at deepening understanding of the Catholic faith. Public…
Renata Steffens