“Let us go to Jesus, knock on Jesus’ heart, and say to Him, ‘Lord, if You will it, You can heal me.’” – Pope Francis.

“The shed blood on the streets of our cities, the beating of people who have taken part in peaceful demonstrations is a grave sin on the conscience of those who give criminal orders and commit violence,” said Archbishop Kondrusiewicz.

The bishop said he was unclear whether parishes can actually have the baptism before the party. He went on to explain that he is not sure whether the legal restrictions have changed or if further clarification is forthcoming.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution last Thursday demanding a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations in order to provide aid to countries to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to the Digital Parish, the popular composer and singer appealed to people not to forget those who are cocooning and do not have access to the web or social media.

“I would like to propose to all Christians that, together, we lift our voices towards Heaven,” said the pope, who will start saying the ‘Our Father’ in Rome on Wednesday at 10am Irish time. 

The Church of the Nativity and other places of worship in Bethlehem are shut, all tourism and religious sites across the West Bank are closed and all tourists banned from the West Bank for an unspecified period.

“Live this difficult moment with the strength of the faith, the certainty of hope and the ardour of charity,” said the pope in a message to all those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Church must consider whether to suspend masses and religious services,” said Italian consumer protection activist Carlo Rienzi.

Women’s bodies must be freed from consumerism. They must be respected and honoured, said Pope Francis in his homily on the first day of the year, which is dedicated to the figure of Mary, Mother of God.

We will provide the opportunity for the faithful to gather as a community and pray not only for persecuted Christians – but also for the persecutors of Christians (ACN Ireland).

“When we pray together, we share in God’s love. We’re inspired to make the world a better place.”

“I renew my heartfelt appeal for the international community to act promptly and decisively to avoid the repetition of similar tragedies and to guarantee the safety and dignity of all.”

“More dignity for the weak, more justice among peoples and more future for our common home.”

The saints are close to us and they tell us the way of the Beatitudes is not about doing extraordinary things, but about following every day this way that leads us to Heaven.

“Today too the Church, to bear witness to the light and the truth, is experiencing severe persecution in different places, up to the supreme test of martyrdom.”

Mauritius prelate studied for the priesthood in Ireland, while the Prefect of the new Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life was born in Dublin.

Carmelite Sisters remain on in Aleppo to help families facing daily bombardment even though their convent is at the centre of ongoing conflict.

“At this time, our spirit is once more shaken by the sad news relating to the deplorable acts of terrorism and violence which have caused suffering and death.”

I am close to each family and the entire French nation which is in mourning, says Pope at Angelus.

Refugees are people like everyone else, who have been deprived by war of their homes, their jobs, their parents and their friends, Pope Francis stresses.

“We need to be aware of our sins and have the courage to drop the stones that we aim at others and think about the wrong we do”.

“The commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ has absolute value, and concerns both the innocent and the guilty,” Pope Francis said on Sunday.

In new book, Pontiff states “The Church does not exist to condemn people, but to bring about an encounter with the visceral love of God’s mercy.”

“To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them."

Pope Francis and Bishop of Elphin address the legacy of Paris terror attacks stressing the way of violence & hatred doesn't resolve the problems of humanity.

'People's Angelus' will showcase work of aspiring filmmakers and artists & will be "conducive to prayer or reflection for people of all faiths and none".

Pope’s appeal for solidarity and welcome is a call for a creative and generous response in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Editor of Religious Programmes at RTÉ, Roger Childs, rejects contention that the Angelus is biased in favour of Catholics.

Fourteen different countries are represented, including some that do not currently have a cardinal, and some that have never had one.