The bells of Christian churches in Northern Iraq have begun to ring out for the first time in over two years as government forces liberate villages and towns around besieged Mosul. As a means of simultaneously signalling freedom regained and of the endurance of Christian communities, bells began to ring out last weekend as militants…

Claim that NI schools are divisive rejected

Mexican police arrest suspected killer of two priests Police in Mexico investigating the murders of two priests in the state of Veracruz have arrested a suspect.  The arrest came as police responded to a carjacking in Mexico City and detained two individuals, one of whom was subsequently identified as a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Frs Alejo Nabor Jimenez and…

Pope Francis has said 2018’s World Meeting of Families is a gift to the Irish Church, Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said. Speaking in Drumcondra at the formal launch of preparations for the ninth global Catholic family gathering, which Dublin will host with Dr Martin presiding, the archbishop warned against allowing the meeting to be…

The Catholic Bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have appealed to the government to immediately release political prisoners who have not yet had access to a fair trial.  In a statement on the issues, the prelates said “the imprisonment of political leaders, of candidates in the presidential elections, of members of the team…

Pictured at the inaugural ‘Miles for Mission’ fundraising walk in the Phoenix Park, organised by World Mission Ireland, was Kenyan Ambassador to Ireland, Richard A. Opembe accompanied by religious participants in the event. The 5km walk was held as part of the mission month of October celebrations, with proceeds raised going to the Love and…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has offered a personal donation to restoration works on the tomb of Jesus at Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Mr Abbas announced his intention to make such a donation during an October 17 visit to the West Bank of Christian Church leaders representing the faith traditions having special responsibility for…

The son of the late Munster rugby player Anthony Foley has launched a Facebook prayer appeal in honour of his father. Eleven-year-old Tony created the online appeal just hours after he lined out with younger brother Dan and his father’s team-mates at Limerick’s Thomond Park to pay tribute to Anthony, who died suddenly in Paris…

Pakistan’s parliament has discussed two legislative bills directly affecting minority religions. Amid ongoing abuses of the country’s blasphemy laws – and the uncertain position of imprisoned Asia Bibi – politicians have discussed both the establishment of a ‘Pakistan Minority Rights Commission’ and a law to prevent forced conversions. Under proposals for a Minority Rights Commission,…

The chairperson of the Central Catholic Library has insisted there is no crisis after almost a third of the library’s board members dramatically resigned after a recent meeting. The Irish Catholic understands that six long-standing board members – including the keeper of the collection and the treasurer – resigned last week having lost confidence in…