“The early publication of the document is a welcome sign that Pope Francis recognises the urgency of a renewed emphasis on creating new young disciples of Jesus” – Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry.
Pope Francis and King Mohammed VI of Morocco called for the special character of Jerusalem to be recognised, and for “full freedom of access to the faithful and the right of each to exercise their own worship”.
New legislation for Vatican State brings in mandatory reporting of abuse charges for minors and vulnerable adults, backed up with fines and / or imprisonment for not reporting.
“The terrible suffering of our brothers and sisters in southern Africa as a result of Cyclone Idai cries out for a generous response on our part.”
Entitled “Christus vivit – Christ lives”, the Apostolic Exhortation is divided into three sections which mirror the three phases of the Synod process.
"The aridity of the planet is extending to new regions, and more and more are suffering as a result of the lack of water."
Food, shelter, medicines, safe water and other basics are the most immediate needs of flood victims who are staying in evacuation centres.
The video is also being used to further the cause of Wicklow-born Mother Kevin, foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa and the Little Sisters of St Francis in Africa.
Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities
We can never bury the hurt of child abuse, says Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at re-opening of Bonnybrook church, and he appeals to community to save young people from drug culture by providing them with opportunities.
Leave behind your selfishness and share your goods, appeals pontiff, by living three pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The archives relating to Pius XII’s papacy have been long awaited by researchers seeking a better understanding of Vatican policy during World War II, particularly its response to the Holocaust.
In a strong message on care for creation, Pontiff warns that “Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator but for his own interests.”
"The Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes," Pope Francis tells delegates at Protection of Minors meeting in Rome.
Pope calls upon those present at vital safeguarding conference to “hear the cry of the little ones who plead for justice” and to be concrete.
In a message issued ahead of the Vatican’s abuse summit this week, Archbishop Eamon Martin tells survivors, “I am truly sorry for what was done to you.”
During his visit to Nicaragua in 1983, Pope John Paul II publicly reprimanded Fr Ernesto Cardenal as the priest knelt to welcome the pope at Managua airport.
“No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church.”
In event of the death or resignation of the Pope, the Irish-born prelate who oversaw World Meeting of Families in Dublin will be Vatican city's acting sovereign.
Lighting the candles of atonement will bring to mind those who have been left “with lifelong suffering as a result of abuse, whose trust was so deeply betrayed and whose faith has been so cruelly tested within the sanctity of the Church”.
“Imagine if everyone could find their unique ‘call within a call’; say their personal ‘Here I am, Lord’ and become part of the new evangelisation in Ireland!”
Pope Francis and Great Imam of Al-Azhar sign Document on Human Fraternity affirming brotherhood of all men and women and condemning every form of violence, especially those “clothed with religious motivations”.
“From my time as a priest ministering in Derry, I know well at first-hand how the local Foyle Search and Rescue volunteers work selflessly, and in their own free time, each week to help those who are vulnerable and in need. Critically, the volunteers save human lives ” – Archbishop Eamon Martin (August 2018).
Bishops need courage not to keep looking over their shoulders to Rome and to confront – respectfully but robustly – those who want to lead us back to the nineteenth century.
The theme of the visit is “Make me a channel of your peace”, which reflects the urgent need in the region to pursue peaceful coexistence.
Fr Daniel O’Leary, who died on 21st January, said he wanted to point out that one of the fall-outs of a mandatory celibate life is "the violence it does to a priest’s humanity, and the wounds that it leaves on his ministry”.
“If we begin to think that we have all the answers about faith, then we have become trapped in our own ways of thinking,” Archbishop Diarmuid Martin told young people who attended the Panama in Dublin WYD event.
“I am leaving for the World Youth Day in Panama. I ask you to pray for this very beautiful and important event on the path of the Church” – Pope Francis on Twitter as he departed for Panama.
Bishop Paul McAleenan paid tribute to people from across Europe who have contributed to the Church and society in the UK and who are what he called “an integral and valued part of our parishes, schools and communities”.
“Despite the formal abolition of the slave trade, the exploitation of some human beings by others has not ended and now takes place in terrible new forms on a significantly large scale.”
