A Christian militia formed in Iraq to defend its community from so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has joined the battle to liberate Mosul. According to reports from the frontline as a coalition offensive got underway on the northern Iraqi city on Monday, some 1,500 Christian members of the Babylon Brigade are at the heart of the…

The Supreme Court in Lahore, Pakistan, received a written demand, signed by 150 Islamic clerics, for the immediate execution of imprisoned Christian woman Asia Bibi in the days before her latest appeal, it has emerged.  As judges prepared to hear what had been reported to be the woman’s final appeal against the death sentence handed…

Priest murdered in Brazil A murder investigation is underway in Brazil after a priest was discovered apparently stabbed to death on a roadside in Rio de Janeiro state.  Fr Francisco Carlos Barbosa, 37, was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in the district of São Benedito in Nova Iguacu, and was last seen driving in the area.…

A Dublin conference aimed towards doctors and lawyers is to explore the issues of abortion and mental health in a balanced way, organisers say, despite promotional material suggesting that a prominent pro-choice advocate will be the conference’s sole speaker. The November 17 Abortion & Mental Health Conference “will deliver a balanced discussion covering the various…

The Catholic bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pulled out of their mediation role between opposing political sides. Amid continuing fears that President Laurent Kabila is about to launch an attempt to hold onto the reins of power for a constitutionally illegal third term, the bishops announced their withdrawal from a process…

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has “broadly welcomed” Budget 2017 for its efforts in the areas of social housing and early childhood care and education, but the Disability Federation has described its measures as “utterly failing disabled people”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic after the Minister for Finance commended the Budget to…

A child cries while being treated at a cholera treatment centre on October 9 after Hurricane Matthew swept through Jeremie, Haiti. Photo: CNS

Bishop Smith pays tribute to Irish Columbans Bishop Michael Smith of Meath has hailed the courageous witness of the Society of St Columban on the centenary of its founding.  Following a special Mass on October 10 at the Columbans’ headquarters at Dalgan Park, Co. Meath, Bishop Smith welcomed moves by the Catholic Church in Korea to promote the beatifications of seven…

Pope Francis will conclude the Year of Mercy by creating 17 new cardinals, including three from the US: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis. Announcing the names of the new cardinals on October…

A Galway priest presented Pope Francis with a crucifix made from Connemara marble when he met the Pontiff in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, The Irish Catholic has learned. Fr Raymond Flaherty of Headford parish was on pilgrimage with 11 others from the Archdiocese of Tuam to the reputed site of the martyrdom of St Bartholomew…