Pope coming home to Argentina the ‘best thing’ – slum priest
Michael Kelly in Buenos Aires An Argentinian priest who works with the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people is hopeful that Pope Francis will visit the community during a proposed trip to the Pontiff’s homeland later this year. Fr Pedro Cannavó, who was ordained by the then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio over 15 years ago, is […]
Mind your language, minister — words matter
What is ‘the far right’ in the political – or social – sphere? We hear this phrase from various authorities, but when the admirable Senator Sharon Keogan asked Justice Minister Helen McEntee for a definition, the minister dithered over her response. She was “not sure there is a definition,” said Ms McEntee. It was, she… […]
Jesuits hand back Gardiner Street Church to Dublin diocese
The Irish Jesuits are to hand back Gardiner Street Parish to Dublin diocese after 50 years ministering to Dublin’s north inner city, the order announced Monday. While St Francis Xavier church will remain attached to the Jesuits, it will cease to be a parish church from August 1 this year, becoming part of the neighbouring […]
Irish bishops delay decision on art by priest accused of abusing women
Irish bishops have delayed deciding on the future of artwork in Rome’s Pontifical Irish College by a controversial priest accused of abusing several adult women. Slovenian artist and priest Fr Marko Rupnik has faced a myriad of accusations of serious sexual and spiritual abuse of at least 20 women since 2018. He was expelled from […]
Focus on synodality not doctrine change – Cardinal Grech
Churches should focus on synodality and not issues that require changes in doctrine as the three-week October synod is not enough time for “in depth theological reflection”. Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops told The Irish Catholic communication was “not at its best” regarding the synod, during his visit to Ireland, […]
Biden in trouble with Catholic voters – Pew research
Incumbent US President Joe Biden, a Catholic, is battling a high unfavorability rating among his fellow Catholics, according to survey data released by the Pew Research Center. According to the data, neither Biden nor his Republican rival, former president Donald Trump, are viewed favourably by a majority of Catholics surveyed, but Biden is the more […]
UN Security Council risks ‘doom loop’
Reform isn’t enough to improve the UN Security Council, writes Michael Sanfey Earlier this month the British Foreign Secretary and his French counterpart co- authored an op-ed celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a diplomatic agreement between the United Kingdom and France. “We have helped to forge a better world,” they wrote in… […]
Scotland pauses sex-change and puberty-blocker drugs for children
Scotland’s only gender clinic for minors is formally pausing the prescription of puberty blockers and hormone medications that are designed to facilitate gender transitions for children after a review commissioned by the English government questioned the efficacy of those practices. This announcement effectively ends the practice of providing sex-change drugs and hormone medications to children in Scotland […]
Facebook’s Catholic problem
The tech giant has a surprisingly long history of suppressing Catholic speech, writes Ian Dunn Facebook may not be the trendiest platform, but it remains incredibly popular. Every month, more than 3 billion people log in. The company’s grand mission statement is “to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer […]
Mural of Irish WWII hero priest vandalised in Kerry
A mural in honour of an Irish priest who saved thousands of Jewish people during World War II has been vandalised with Hitler references in Tralee. Kerry artist May Leen who painted the mural of Msgr Hugh O’Flaherty in 2015 said the priest’s family “don’t deserve to see this”. “To see this war hero, and […]