Catholic Church in Ireland

The Latest

The newly consecrated church in Reyðarfjörður, Iceland, is a gift from Slovakia.

This beautiful church was a gift from Slovakia to Icelandic Catholics

Jun 24, 2017

By CNA Staff

Bishop David Tencer of Reykjavik last week consecrated a new wooden church building, a gift from the Slovak Catholic Church. Read more

Irish bishops praise court ruling recognizing the dignity of work

Jun 6, 2017

Ireland's Catholic bishops have praised a Supreme Court decision in the country that will allow asylum seekers to find work... 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

Want to engage secular culture? An Irish bishop provides a guide.

May 9, 2017

Neither the narrow narrative against religion nor the real failings of the Church should define the role of Catholics in... Read more

The Knock Shrine. Public domain.

Enduring devotion: the Irish immigrant who never forgot Our Lady of Knock

May 7, 2017

By Kevin J. Jones

“I remember it as well as I do last night.” Those were the words of an aged Irish immigrant named... Read more

Fr. John Sullivan in his twenties.

The story behind the Irish priest whose prayers could heal

Apr 26, 2017

Father John Sullivan was a prominent Irish Catholic convert who was known for his healing prayers, his consolation for the... Read more

Irish abortion group returns Soros money – but big questions linger

Apr 6, 2017

By Kevin J. Jones

Facing legal scrutiny over foreign funding of efforts to fight Ireland’s anti-abortion law, a pro-abortion rights group has returned a... Read more

Priests in green vestments celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for two new Canadian Saints in St. Peter's Basilic a on Oct. 12, 2014.

Rise in priest suicides prompts call for helpline in Ireland

Apr 3, 2017

Besides a shortage of vocations, Irish priests are facing an even more harrowing kind of crisis.  Read more

Facing large decline in priest numbers, an Irish diocese preps for change

Mar 29, 2017

In one Irish diocese, the number of active priests may halve in fewer than 15 years. As a result, Bishop... Read more

For Irish ambassador, Pope Francis' visit is a very big deal

Jan 27, 2017

By Elise Harris

With Pope Francis set to visit Ireland in 2018 – making him the first Pope to visit the country in... 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

Pope Francis blesses a woman and her unborn child at a Jubilee Audience in St. Peter's Square, Jan. 30, 2016.

Irish archbishop: seek a 'revolution of tenderness', not legal abortion

Oct 4, 2016

By Kevin J. Jones

For Ireland’s leading archbishop, Pope Francis’ call for a “revolution of tenderness” is a ch  Read more

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

For George Soros, Ireland abortion fight may be first step against Catholic countries

Aug 18, 2016

By Kevin J. Jones

Wealthy abortion backers could use Ireland as a model to change pro-life laws in other Catholic countries, an apparent leaked... Read more

A mural in Derry depicting then-Father Daly leading a group carrying a victim on Bloody Sunday, Jan. 30, 1972.

Irish bishop of Bloody Sunday fame remembered for his peaceful witness

Aug 8, 2016

By CNA Staff

After his death in hospital Monday morning, Bishop Emeritus Edward Daly of Derry's ministry advocating for peace during the Troubles... 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

The Golden Dome (Main Administration Building), University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana.

Notre Dame returns to its roots with 'faith and reason' center in Ireland

Jun 21, 2016

The Fighting Irish are headed to the Emerald Isle, with plans to establish a new center for dialogue between faith... Read more

Here's what the next World Meeting of Families will focus on

May 25, 2016

By Ann Schneible

“The Gospel of family, joy for the world.” This is the theme for the 2018 World Meeting of Families in... Read more

Salvatorians apologize for failing to protect Irish children from abusive priest

May 4, 2016

The Salvatorians have offered their “deepest apology” for failing to stop a priest who sexually abused children in Ireland until... Read more

Prolife marchers walk through Dublin, July 2, 2011, for the Fifth Annual All-Ireland Rally For Life.

Use your vote to protect life: a message from Northern Ireland's bishops

May 2, 2016

Northern Ireland’s voters should use their vote to uphold the right to life, not violate it, the Catholic bishops of... Read more

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

Changes in Irish equality law could threaten identity of religious schools

Dec 11, 2015

A measure passed by the Irish legislature in the name of equality actually threatens the ability of religious institutions to... Read more