“The persistent discrimination, persecution or even mass killings of religious and ethnic minorities makes protecting and promoting this freedom inside and outside the EU all the more essential,” said EPP Group chair Manfred Weber and vice-chair Jan Olbrycht.

Findings of ACN report on Religious Freedom in 2018 that “religious freedom is slipping down the human rights priority rankings, being eclipsed by issues of gender, sexuality and race”, are troubling.

Crucial value of human rights, including the freedom of religion and the rights of prisoners, on agenda as Pope Tawadros II meets Irish President.

“In our age of flattened earth, narrowed horizons, conformity to a shallow consumerism and superficial variety that masks a deeper conformity, the role of the Church is to be the Church."

Peace and security policies were at the centre of the debate of the spring plenary assembly of COMECE's bishops in Brussels.

Baroness O'Loan concerned at the increasing marginalisation of religion, particularly Christianity, even in nations which place great emphasis on tolerance.

Iona Institute chairman calls on Irish Church “to start teaching its teachings”.

“That this deplorable attack on a child was triggered by a simple profession of faith is deeply worrying.”

Action is necessary in order to protect young people from being attracted to organisations that seek to impose cultural supremacy by violence.

Killing in the name of God “is an aberration” Pontiff warns but adds that responsible people should recognise the boundaries of civility.

Ambassador Madigan looking forward to exploring areas of common interest with the Holy See such as freedom of religion.

Thousands of Christians and non Christians attend vigil and pray for the health of Le Quoc Quan.

Reference to blasphemy “largely obsolete" according to Irish Council of Churches.