Church in Ireland

The Latest

An all-Ireland pro-life rally in Dublin.

Nearly 30,000 abortions in Ireland since referendum came into effect, pro-life group says

May 25, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Five years after Irish voters rejected the constitutional amendment that protected “the right to life of the unborn,” more than... Read more

Protestant graffiti in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1974, during The Troubles

Ireland marks anniversary of Good Friday Agreement as Pope Francis prays for peace

Apr 10, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

Pope Francis and other Christian leaders called for prayer and a rededication to the peace secured in Northern Ireland by... Read more

Father Sean Sheehy

Irish priest reprimanded by bishop for homilies about sin

Nov 2, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

In his sermon, the Irish priest said “you rarely hear about sin, but it’s rampant,” adding: “We see it in... Read more

Irish flag.

Ireland’s Catholic bishops announce national synodal assembly

Mar 11, 2021

Ireland’s Catholic bishops have announced that they will hold a national synodal assembly “within the next five years.” Read more

Gaelic script on the gates of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, Italy.

Rome’s Irish College will not receive Irish seminarians next academic year

Jun 19, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

The trustees of the Pontifical Irish College decided last week that the national seminary in Rome will no longer host... Read more

Archbishop Eoman Martin of Armagh at an Oct. 26 Vatican press briefing.

Youth need constancy from the Church, not change, says Irish archbishop

Oct 26, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a world of constant change, young people need the Church to be a source of stability and consistent teaching,... Read more

Pope Francis.

Irish bishops and abuse survivors respond to pope’s letter

Aug 21, 2018

By Christine Rousselle

Several Irish bishops, as well as victims of clerical sexual abuse in the country, have offered responses to a letter... Read more

In historic move, Irish nuns to give up three Dublin hospitals

May 30, 2017

Ireland's Sisters of Charity will end their management of three Dublin hospitals, the sisters have announced, saying they will hand... Read more

Role of women a priority for Irish bishops during Vatican talks

Jan 24, 2017

By Elise Harris

The Irish bishops are just finishing up their first ad limina visit to Rome in 10 years – a time... Read more

St. Patrick's College.

Archbishop moves seminarians from 'gay culture' at St. Patrick's College

Aug 6, 2016

By Carl Bunderson

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has transferred his seminarians away from Ireland's main seminary, St. Patrick's College, after anonymous accusations... Read more

A 'reality check' for Ireland's Church – gay marriage vote both challenge and invitation

May 25, 2015

By Ann Schneible

The Christian message can't be shaken by a national vote, but Ireland’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage is forcing Catholic... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish Church's new leader honored, humbled as he takes helm

Sep 9, 2014

As Cardinal Sean Brady resigns at the customary age of 75, newly appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland... Read more

The Irish flag.

AP issues massive correction on Ireland child burial story

Jun 24, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Associated Press has retracted key claims from its reports of an Irish Catholic home for unwed mothers supposedly burying... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Critic slams 'crazed claims' about Ireland child burials

Jun 11, 2014

Distorted claims about the burials of hundreds of children who died at an Irish home for unwed mothers show a... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish archbishop welcomes investigation of child burials

Jun 6, 2014

Amid disputed reports concerning the burials of nearly 800 children at a Catholic unwed mother home in Ireland over a... Read more

Fr. Kevin Doran, who was named, May 14, 2014, as Bishop of Elphin.

Vocation is 'never static,' reflects newly appointed Irish bishop

May 14, 2014

Father Kevin Doran, whom Pope Francis appointed Bishop of Elphin, Ireland, on May 14 has emphasized that one’s personal vocation... Read more

A Celtic cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland.

Irish Vatican embassy reopening may mean new diplomacy

Jan 30, 2014

Ireland's decision to re-open its embassy at the Vatican may be part of a changing climate of diplomacy at the... Read more

The Irish flag.

Church officials laud re-opening of Irish embassy to Vatican

Jan 22, 2014

By Elise Harris

An announcement that Ireland's government will re-open its embassy to the Holy See came as welcome news to Church officials,... Read more

Fr. Brendan Leahy.

Next bishop of Limerick, Ireland seeks new start

Jan 10, 2013

The priest named as the next Bishop of Limerick called for a “new start” three years after the diocese’s previous... Read more

Irish bishops say legalizing abortion will harm care for moms

Dec 18, 2012

The archbishops of Ireland say the government's consideration of legalizing abortion would harm the country's world-renowned health care practices for... Read more