The northern bishops say they are “saddened and dismayed” by what they describe as “extreme” new regulations from the British government legalising widespread access to abortion for the first time in the region. “Their implementation will facilitate one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world,” the prelates said in a statement March…
Our true strength is the capacity to “value every person” and “carry the weak” in facing the coronavirus, according to the Bishop of Ossory in a pastoral letter issued this weekend. Bishop Dermot Farrell urged solidarity and appealed for people to support frontline workers. He said: “We are learning about the fragility of our lives.…
Pope Francis has appealed for a global ceasefire on Sunday as countries work to defend their populations from the coronavirus pandemic. “The current emergency of Covid-19 … knows no borders,” Pope Francis said on March 29 in his Angelus broadcast. The Pope urged nations in conflict to respond to an appeal made by the United…
Catholic dioceses and religious orders across Europe are offering to turn Church facilities into spaces needed for health care or housing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Church leaders throughout Europe have been struggling to maintain Catholic religious devotions during enforced national lockdowns against the coronavirus. They have also sought ways, in addition to regular aid from…
Many priests will be amongst those ordered to be ‘cocooned’ in the latest regulations to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It comes as Archbishop Diarmuid Martin confirmed that some Irish priests and deacons have tested positive for Covid-19. In an email to parishes on Friday, Dr Martin said “we are all reminded to keep in our…
Pope Francis has paid tribute to the ordinary – often forgotten – people who are in the forefront of confronting the coronavirus pandemic. In a poignant ceremony of Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament in an empty St Peter’s Square broadcast all around the world this evening, the Pontiff also said that the current crisis can…
Minister for Health Simon Harris has told the Dáil that he will revise the existing ‘Model of Care’ which regulates and describes the conditions under which a medical practitioner may certify an abortion. Mr Harris made his remarks while rejecting amendments from opposition TDs to the Covid-19 related Emergency Measures Bill, which were along the…
Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the many men and women who have been inspired to help the poor and accompany the sick and the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic. “These days, news has arrived of how many people are beginning to have a general concern for others – caring about the families who do…
A number of Solidarity/People Before Profit and Rise TDs have proposed the suspension of the existing three-day waiting period before an abortion can be obtained be added to emergency legislation being debated in the Dáil. This is in addition to the proposals to permit abortion consultations and prescriptions online. The proposals form part of a number of…
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland has urged people to watch Pope Francis’ global celebration of prayer, which RTÉ will broadcast tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 5pm Irish time. Commentary will be provided by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly. Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “In the midst of this horrendous Covid-19 pandemic, I thank…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady