Government restrictions on religion are at their highest since tracking began in 2007, the Pew Research Center has said in its new report, finding that 56 countries reached “high” or “very high” levels of restrictions on religion in 2018. “In 2018, the global median level of government restrictions on religion – that is, laws, policies…
Almost 300 healthcare workers signed an open letter to the Minister of Health rejecting the legalisation of ‘at-home’ abortions in Northern Ireland. The 277 healthcare workers drafted the letter following a campaign by abortion advocates for the provision of over-the-phone abortion services. The letter demands better care for women and children than “unsafe and unacceptable…
A Polish cardinal recently sanctioned by the Vatican for sexual abuse has died at the age of 97. Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz died the morning of November 16, the Polish bishops’ conference announced. Earlier this month, the apostolic nunciature in Poland announced disciplinary measures against the cardinal on November 6 as the result of an investigation…
The U.N. migration agency renewed its call for increased search and rescue efforts after another tragic shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea claimed the lives of 74 migrant men, women and children. According to the U.N. International Organisation for Migration, also known as IOM, a boat carrying more than 120 people capsized off the coast of…
A renowned “tower of strength” priest who ministered to people devasted by the 1993 Greysteel Massacre in the North has died. Fr Stephen Kearney (76) was the curate of Faughanvale and Lower Cumber parish in Derry before he died on Friday. He gave strength to the families of the eight people who were killed after…
Filipinos appealed for help as a fifth tropical storm or typhoon hit their country in a three-week period. These included the strongest typhoon since 2013 and the biggest floods since 2009. The latest, Typhoon Vamco – or Ulysses as it is known in Philippines – left at least 42 dead and 20 missing. Rescue workers…
Pro-life group Precious Life have criticised health officials for assuming and making plans for up 6,500 abortions per year in Northern Ireland. The figure was found in the notes of a meeting involving officials from Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Board held last December. Health officials discussed how many abortions they would need to…
A video circulating on social media has seen the youth of Ireland pleading for a return to Mass and the sacraments. Posted by the “We need Worship” Facebook page, the video has garnered nearly 8,000 views and expresses the view that religious services are among the safest forms of social activity to participate in. “We…
Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has called for society to heed the “silent cry” of those who have found themselves facing unforeseen challenges as a result of Covid-19. Speaking on World Day of the Poor, Bishop Leahy said that poverty has suddenly appeared in a variety of guises, like loss of life but also for…
Pope Francis calls Joe Biden to congratulate him on election success Pope Francis called President-elect Joe Biden early November 12 to congratulate him on winning the U.S. presidential election. “The president-elect thanked His Holiness for extending blessings and congratulations and noted his appreciation for His Holiness’s leadership in promoting peace, reconciliation and the common bonds…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady