“I do not believe that a child can be reformed by lock and key and bars, or that fear can ever develop a child’s character.”

“During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience” – The Holy See Press Office.

Migration, the European project, climate change, poverty and the effects of globalisation on families were the focus of “cordial discussions” between Pope Francis and President Michael D. Higgins.

The swearing in ceremony always takes place on 6 May, the anniversary of the Sack of Rome in 1527, when 147 Swiss Guards were killed.

New soup kitchen will be opened by St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street in response to Pope Francis’ appeal for concrete acts of mercy towards those experiencing poverty and homelessness.

The stamp, which is designed by the artist Daniela Longo, marks the pope emeritus’ milestone birthday, which coincided with Easter Sunday.

There were 132,200 fewer Catholics in Ireland over the past five years, down to 3,729,100 from 3,861,300 in 2011.

Mgr John Kennedy from Dublin is to oversee the disciplinary section of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which processes clerical sex abuse cases.

The large influx of pilgrims, the humble and simple prayer of God’s people, the fulfilment of so many graces and the natural beauty of these places allow you to see how the shrines express an irreplaceable opportunity for evangelisation.

Ireland and the Holy See have some different perspectives and at times will have “difficult conversations”, but will also have many fruitful conversations about shared values – Minister Flanagan.

God’s forgiveness is sought for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including priests and nuns who “succumbed to hatred and violence, betraying their own evangelical mission”.

“It appears that for you, the concern that the local bishop might feel disrespected far outweighs any concern about disrespecting the survivor.”

“To everyone in Ireland I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ for the way you received and welcomed me in these years. You made me feel that I was at home” – Archbishop Brown.

“I find it impossible to listen to public statements about the deep concern in the Church for the care of those whose lives have been blighted by abuse, yet to watch privately as a congregation in the Vatican refuses to even acknowledge their letters,” said Marie Collins.

“If you play for the good of the group, then it is easier to win.”

Expressing his condolences, Pope Francis recalled the late Archbishop of Dublin’s many contributions to the Church in Ireland, especially in the area of philosophical studies.

Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell welcomes members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference for their first visit to the new Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.

Refugees and migrants who have survived years of war, violence, and deadly journeys to safety are now freezing to death on Europe’s doorstep.

The Holy See decided to commute the 18-month prison sentence because of ‘questions regarding freedom of thought’.

Prefect of the Vatican’s new Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has said he believes Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland will change some of the negativity here towards the Catholic Church.

www.protectionofminors.va provides resources across four categories: ‘Healing and Care’, ‘Guidelines’, ‘Education’, and the ‘Day of Prayer [for the Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse]’.

“He has his own ideas as to why he wants to come to Ireland – he looks on it as a contribution he wishes to make to the renewal of the Church in Ireland and also to the renewal of family life in Ireland” – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Scorsese movie tells the story of two Jesuit missionaries facing violence and persecution in 17th century Japan.

“The threat of the Culture of Death is now real and imminent ... in the form of population control measures being emphatically proposed, promoted and propagated from one nation to the next.”

“Every time I go into a prison I ask myself, ‘Why them and not me?’”

Audience came at the end of formation course for new bishops organised by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

“Will there be an Islamic conquest of Europe?” asks Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna on Sunday.

Promoting Integral Human Development will deal with the environment, migration, the sick, prisoners, modern-day slaves — the issues closest to Pope Francis' heart.

Grant of £2.3 million for a three-year project on the theme ‘Understanding Unbelief’ which will be funded by the John Templeton Foundation (JTF).

Pope Francis treats Rome's homeless to trips to the beach followed by dinner in a pizzeria.