Details of a May referendum on repealing the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution were announced on Monday by the Irish Prime Minister…

On Monday, Pope Francis promulgated Veritatis Gaudium, a new Apostolic Constitution governing how Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties are to be set up and governed. As with most canonical documents, there are two distinct purposes, the first treats the motivating force for its promulgation, and the second is legal and technical – detailing how it is to be put into practice…

What is the sense of giving birth to a child who will die after maybe a dozen, or several dozen, minutes? This is a question people have to face at times. It’s not about getting into a discussion about the possibility of terminating a pregnancy, but about a much deeper reflection on the meaning of life and death in general…

Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander used her statement Wednesday against sex abuser Larry Nassar as a testimony and message of grace and forgiveness.

She was the final victim to make a statement in the sentencing hearing in Ingham County Circuit Court in Michigan. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, to up to 175 years in a Michigan prison for his abuse of young female gymnasts…

The Vatican has presented the catecheses prepared for the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Dublin from August 21 to 26. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell attended to explain the content of the catecheses. 

CARD. KEVIN FARRELL
Prefect of Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
“The seven catecheses are an explanation, it’s an invitation to all people, to all couples specially, to come together in their local communities, or in their parishes, or in the diocese to discuss marriage and the family and to help them to enter into a dialogue concerning Amoris Laetita.”

The cardinal explains the catecheses are a call for reflection on true love in marriage, something much-needed today as divorce becomes increasingly common. 

Farrell reminded that Pope Francis strongly condemned abuse of minors by priests, most recently during his visit to Chile. 

Thus, Cardinal Farrell assures this meeting of families in Ireland will also address the issue, and some victims will even share their testimonies. 

CARD…

In his speech to participants attending the Rome International Conference on the Responsibility of States, Institutions and Individuals in the Fight against Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Area, the Pope got right to the heart of his address by emphasizing three words, responsibility, indifference and memory.

Regarding responsibility, Pope Francis said, “we are responsible when we are able to respond…

Hundreds of boys and girls, members of Catholic Action Rome joined Pope Francis for the Angelus on Sunday. The children were taking part in an intiative called “Caravan of Peace,” processing to St Peter’s Square to bear witness to thir desire for peace. 

Greetings for Pilgrims

After the recitation of the Marian prayer, and following appeals for Afghanistan and for those suffering from leprosy, the Pope welcomed visitors from around the world, with particular greetings for pilgrims from Spain, Slovenia, and Italy. 

The youth of Catholic Action

He then turned his attention to the young people of Catholic Action…