Category: News

Poverty not Catholicism reason for Covid-19 hotspots

A data analyst has challenged a DUP minister’s claim that there are more Covid-19 hotspots in Catholic communities, saying poverty is the key factor linked to outbreaks not religion. Speaking to The Irish News, Peter Donaghy said it was in socially deprived areas that people won’t have jobs which allow them to work from home.…

Dutch govt backs euthanasia for children under 12

The government of the Netherlands has announced it will allow the euthanisation of terminally ill children between the ages of one and 12. “There is a need for active termination of life among doctors and parents of incurably ill children, who are suffering hopelessly and unbearably and will die within the foreseeable future,” Health Minister…

Vatican Roundup

Pope picks Bishop Semeraro to lead sainthood congregation Pope Francis has named Italian Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, secretary of his Council of Cardinals, to be the new prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. The bishop, 72, succeeds Cardinal Angelo Becciu, whom the Pope forced to resign in late September because of suspicious financial…

Priests on the run in Galway

A Catholic priest and a Church of Ireland minister have joined forces in East Galway for a daily 3km prayer run for their parishes’ spiritual and financial wellbeing. Fr Gerard Geraghty of Aughrim and Kilconnell and Rev. John Godfrey of Aughrim and Creagh have committed to running every day while churches are closed. “John came…

In Brief

Vatican criminal trial begins against priests accused in abuse case Fr Gabriele Martinelli, 28, has heard a Vatican criminal court accuse him of repeatedly sexually abusing a younger student at a minor seminary inside the Vatican. Msgr Enrico Radice, 71, former rector of the seminary, heard the court accuse him of obstructing the investigation by…

Archbishop blasts anti-mask protesters

Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has hit out against those organising anti-mask protests and warned that any restrictions on the right to public worship must be minimal. Speaking this evening (Thursday) at an online gathering of the Dublin Council of Churches, Dr Martin praised the tireless commitment of those – particularly frontline workers – responding…

Senator Mullen challenges Govt on China trade agenda

Senator Rónán Mullen has challenged the Government over what he has said is its failure to properly address the Chinese abuses of its Uyghur Muslim population. His motion condemning the persecution of the Uyghurs passed in the Seanad without opposition from the Government. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Senator Mullen said about motion, “It’s historic…