Category: News

Moon landing shows need for more openness

As the world celebrates the anniversary of the moon landing people should remember the “gruesome” situation many migrants face along the Earth’s man-made borders, a leading theologian and academic has said. It was July 20, 1969 when Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Prof. Eamonn…

Academics clash in science versus religion row

A row has broken out between two leading scientists over whether science and religion are compatible.  Prof. David McConnell, Pro-Chancellor at Trinity College Dublin, a former lecturer in genetics, has said that science has “made it difficult for many people to believe in dogmatic religion”. The honorary president of the Humanist Association of Ireland wrote…

Venezuelan bishops call for Maduro to step down

The Venezuelan bishops asked last Thursday that president Nicolas Maduro resign from the office which he “illegitimately” exercises and that a new president be elected in the shortest time possible. “In face of the reality of an illegitimate and failed government, Venezuela is crying out for a change of direction, a return to the Constitution.…

It’s time to talk about Christian persecution

More evidence showing the reality of Christian persecution across the world allows for “meaningful dialogue” to take place, the head of Aid to the Church in Need, Ireland, has said. The comments come after UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that Christians are “the most persecuted group in modern times”. A new report examining Christian…

Italian cardinal Sardi dies age 84

Cardinal Paolo Sardi, who served under five Popes, died over the weekend at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after a short illness. The 84-year-old Piem-ontese cardinal had been retired from his work in the Secretariat of State, where he coordinated the office which edits papal speeches and texts. He most recently had served as pro-patron and…

UN launches investigation into Philippine drug war

The UN Human Rights Council has approved a resolution to launch an investigation into the violent war on drugs taking place in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte. Approved last Thursday by a narrow margin, the resolution does not go as far as to create a full commission to examine the matter, but instead authorises…