By Michael Kelly Catholic News Service DUBLIN — The head of the Irish bishops’ conference said the government’s move to criminalize attendance at Mass as part of COVID-19 regulations was a “potential infringement of religious freedom and of constitutional rights.” “The precise provisions are unclear and at first reading appear to be draconian, going further […]
Vatican official: Ireland should rebury babies found in mass grave
By Michael Kelly Catholic News Service DUBLIN — The Vatican ambassador to Ireland has backed a campaign to have the government rebury the remains of infants and children found in a mass grave at a Catholic-run home. Campaigners say they hope the support of Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, papal nuncio, will put pressure on the […]
FRANCIS IN IRELAND: Pope begins Mass in Dublin with plea for forgiveness
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service DUBLIN — Before celebrating Mass in a Dublin park, Pope Francis solemnly asked forgiveness for the thousands of cases of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by Catholics in Ireland. “We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland, abuse of power and of conscience, sexual abuse” by clergy and religious, […]
Voters in Ireland pave way for abortion on demand
By Michael Kelly Catholic News Service DUBLIN — Voters in Ireland have opted to remove the right to life of the unborn from the country’s constitution, paving the way for abortion on demand up to 12 weeks. Results from the nationwide referendum showed that 66.4 percent of citizens opted to remove the Eighth Amendment from […]
Despite new law, some Irish pubs will remain closed on Good Friday
By Michael Kelly Catholic News Service DUBLIN — While Irish pubs will be allowed to open and serve alcohol on Good Friday, March 30, for the first time in 91 years, some pub owners have vowed to remain shut and observe the tradition. President Michael D. Higgins signed the law change into effect in advance […]