A cardinal in northern Italy has said that the Covid-19 health crisis has created “immense” poverty in the area, and now is the time to rebuild, to take responsibility, and to share resources. Indications from local charities and soup kitchens show that poverty in Bologna right now is “immense,” Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the city’s archbishop,…
Child poverty could be as high as 21% if the economy fails to recover by the end of the year, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The figures “are, sadly, not surprising” said Kieran Stafford, National President of St Vincent De Paul. “Child poverty is already at an unacceptable…
Pope Francis has sent retired Pope Benedict XVI his prayers and condolences for the death of his brother, Msgr Georg Ratzinger. The monsignor, a musician and the retired Pope’s elder brother, died in Regensburg, Germany, July 1 at the age of 96. In a letter dated July 2, Pope Francis told his predecessor he was…
The Irish Blessing, originally released in May, came second to its UK counterpart in the UK Christian Music Chart for July after a public vote. Co-producer, Fr Martin Magill, says the team are “absolutely delighted” with the result, and prays that it continues to a blessing for people around the world. Speaking to The Irish…
As Congo celebrated 60 years of independence from Belgium, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa said the “great dreams” of the people had been shuttered by successive regimes. “We have known successive autocratic regimes that have come to power like the colonialist without any concern for the will of the people, and this continues today: by…
Archives reveal Schonstatt movement founder accused of abuse Documents uncovered from the recently opened archives of the pontificate of Pope Pius XII revealed allegations of sexual abuse and abuse of power against the founder of the Schonstatt movement, Fr Joseph Kentenich. Reports of the apostolic visitation made in the early 1950s written by Dutch Jesuit Father Sebastiaan…
Glenmary Challenge editor wins St Francis de Sales Award John Feister, assistant editor of Glenmary Challenge, is the recipient of the 2020 St Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada. The award – named for the patron saint of writers and journalists – recognises “outstanding contributions to…
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has said that the Government’s failure to agree a protocol on allowing more than 50 people at Mass means some churches are forced to turn people away, making physical distancing more problematic. State authorities had originally said that public Masses could recommence on June 29. At the time, outgoing Taoiseach…
Priests and parishioners across Ireland have expressed joy at being able to return to Mass after more than 100 days without the sacraments. Many parishes opened early on Monday to welcome back congregations, and other churches will do so this week and next. Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy said: “It’s a time to return with…
The bishop of Derry diocese, Donal McKeown, was among more than 30 people recognised in this year’s Lambeth Awards which were announced this week by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The awards acknowledge “outstanding contributions to the Church and wider society”. In total, 32 awards were announced to people from fields including evangelism, the religious life, safeguarding, ecumenism, theology…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady