Last Rites

The Latest

Shane MacGowan on June 16, 2016, in London, England

Hard-living Irish musician Shane MacGowan received last rites before he died, family says 

Dec 1, 2023

By Matt McDonald

MacGowan was raised a Catholic and often used Catholic imagery in his songs, though he did not practice the faith... Read more

President Joe Biden and Father Richard Gibbons share an umbrella as President Biden touches the original stone from the apparition gable in the rain during a visit to Knock Shrine, on April 14, 2023, on the last day of a four-day trip to Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Biden has tearful meeting with priest who performed last rites on his son

Apr 14, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

“[Biden] was crying,” Father Richard Gibbons told the BBC. “It really affected him and then we said a prayer, said... Read more

Cardinal Vincent Nichols and London police chief Cressida Dick meet outside of Westminster Cathedral, Nov. 9, 2021.

Cardinal and police chief agree to create group reviewing last rites access for priests at crime scenes

Nov 10, 2021

By CNA Staff

The agreement was reached in the wake of lawmaker Sir David Amess’ death. Read more

Official portrait of Sir David Amess.

UK lawmakers formally propose ‘Amess amendment’ on last rites to bill

Oct 26, 2021

By CNA Staff

The amendment’s supporters include Hong Kong’s last governor Chris Patten. Read more

Official portrait of Sir David Amess.

UK lawmaker proposes adding ‘Amess amendment’ on last rites to bill

Oct 21, 2021

By CNA Staff

The amendment would ensure that Catholic priests can administer the last rites at crime scenes. Read more

Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury, England, pictured on April 4, 2012

Sir David Amess death: Catholic bishop calls for last rites to be recognized as ‘emergency service’

Oct 19, 2021

By CNA Staff

Police reportedly turned away a priest who sought to administer the last rites to the Catholic Member of Parliament. Read more

Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Journalists astounded Catholic priest denied opportunity to give last rites to dying MP

Oct 18, 2021

By CNA Staff

Two journalists express astonishment that a Catholic priest was denied the opportunity to give last rites to British lawmaker Sir... Read more

CNA

Death in the modern age – and how to prepare as a Catholic

Nov 2, 2020

By Adelaide Mena

Death. It’s a subject seen as sad, morbid and fearful, something that people would rather not think about, and certainly... Read more

You can't get last rites if you plan to kill yourself, says Canadian archbishop

Feb 27, 2016

Legal assisted suicide will soon arrive in Canada, prompting a Catholic archbishop to reflect on what the last rites mean... Read more