Catholic Church in Ireland

The Latest

Here's what the next World Meeting of Families will focus on

May 25, 2016

By Ann Schneible

“The Gospel of family, joy for the world.” This is the theme for the 2018 World Meeting of Families in... Read more

Salvatorians apologize for failing to protect Irish children from abusive priest

May 4, 2016

The Salvatorians have offered their “deepest apology” for failing to stop a priest who sexually abused children in Ireland until... Read more

Prolife marchers walk through Dublin, July 2, 2011, for the Fifth Annual All-Ireland Rally For Life.

Use your vote to protect life: a message from Northern Ireland's bishops

May 2, 2016

Northern Ireland’s voters should use their vote to uphold the right to life, not violate it, the Catholic bishops of... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Changes in Irish equality law could threaten identity of religious schools

Dec 11, 2015

A measure passed by the Irish legislature in the name of equality actually threatens the ability of religious institutions to... Read more

Iceland church.

Iceland's new bishop inherits a turbulent, fascinating Catholic history

Sep 19, 2015

By Mary Farrow

The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has appointed Fr. David Tencer, O.F.M. Cap., as bishop of Reykjavik, Iceland. Read more

A 'reality check' for Ireland's Church – gay marriage vote both challenge and invitation

May 25, 2015

By Ann Schneible

The Christian message can't be shaken by a national vote, but Ireland’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage is forcing Catholic... Read more

Irish Flag.

Vote to legalize gay marriage poses uncertain future for Ireland

May 22, 2015

By Ann Schneible

As Ireland goes to the polls to vote on whether to legalize same-sex marriage, one Church official warns that the... Read more

The Irish flag.

Ireland's defense of marriage leaders speak up for mothers, fathers, children

Apr 26, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

Opponents of a referendum that would recognize “gay marriage” in Ireland face an uphill fight, but one commentator says they... Read more

Photo courtesy of the Jesse Box.

Scriptures come to life for Irish families through Jesse Box

Dec 21, 2014

By Ann Schneible

A new initiative out of Ireland is using Biblical dioramas to engage parents and children in Scripture. The Jesse Box,... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish Church's new leader honored, humbled as he takes helm

Sep 9, 2014

As Cardinal Sean Brady resigns at the customary age of 75, newly appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland... Read more

The Irish flag.

AP issues massive correction on Ireland child burial story

Jun 24, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Associated Press has retracted key claims from its reports of an Irish Catholic home for unwed mothers supposedly burying... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Critic slams 'crazed claims' about Ireland child burials

Jun 11, 2014

Distorted claims about the burials of hundreds of children who died at an Irish home for unwed mothers show a... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish archbishop welcomes investigation of child burials

Jun 6, 2014

Amid disputed reports concerning the burials of nearly 800 children at a Catholic unwed mother home in Ireland over a... Read more

Fr. Kevin Doran, who was named, May 14, 2014, as Bishop of Elphin.

Vocation is 'never static,' reflects newly appointed Irish bishop

May 14, 2014

Father Kevin Doran, whom Pope Francis appointed Bishop of Elphin, Ireland, on May 14 has emphasized that one’s personal vocation... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Ireland's invite to Pope could signal defrosting relations

May 7, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

After years of tension, news that Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has invited Pope Francis to visit the country may... Read more

A Celtic cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish Vatican embassy reopening may mean new diplomacy

Jan 30, 2014

Ireland's decision to re-open its embassy at the Vatican may be part of a changing climate of diplomacy at the... Read more

The Irish flag.

Church officials laud re-opening of Irish embassy to Vatican

Jan 22, 2014

By Elise Harris

An announcement that Ireland's government will re-open its embassy to the Holy See came as welcome news to Church officials,... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowd at Castel Gandolfo before the Angelus, July 14, 2013.

Pope Francis urges Irish, British to value each human life

Jul 17, 2013

Ahead of Day for Life Sunday in the U.K., Pope Francis has sent a message to British and Irish Catholics... Read more

Rep Chris Smith listens during an October 4 Helsinki Commission hearing.

Britain urged to investigate murder of Irish human rights champion

May 16, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

Witnesses and congressmen at a U.S. hearing renewed a call to the British government to launch a public inquiry into... Read more

Donegal, Ireland.

Christendom College summer program explores Church in Ireland

Apr 6, 2013

Christendom College has announced a new program in Ireland that will be launched this summer to offer students a deeper... Read more