Republic of Ireland Archives

Republic of Ireland

Does Leo Varadkar’s surprise resignation as Ireland’s first gay Taoiseach show he underestimated the Catholic Church?

March 21, 2024

The news that Leo Varadkar is to step down as Ireland’s Taoiseach (prime minister) once his Fine Gael party selects a new leader, will give rise to reflection among the country’s Catholics about whether his successor will bring any changes to current Church-State relations. Varadkar had a complex relationship with the Catholic Church, after making

Taoiseach announces plan to allow public worship to resume in Republic of Ireland

April 30, 2021

Beginning on May 10, the government will allow religious services to resume, with a limit of 50 people in attendance, regardless of the size of the worship space or whether worshippers have been vaccinated.

Archbishop Eamon Martin expresses concerns at criminalisation of public worship in Ireland

April 21, 2021

"Archbishop Eamon Martin explained the deep concerns already expressed with regard to the criminalising of leading, and gathering for, public worship at this time in Ireland despite the consistent support from the Churches for public health messaging since the beginning of the pandemic."

As Lent begins, Irish bishop urges that political leaders be told worship is essential

February 18, 2021

The Republic of Ireland imposed Level Five restrictions because of the coronavirus at the end of December 2020. These restrictions will be in place until at least March 5. Religious services may be held only online; places of worship may remain open for private prayer. Only ‘essential retail’ can open. Religious services are also banned in Level Four.

The key to true friendship? Christlike self-sacrifice

December 20, 2016

Experience shows that 'laying down one's life' is a mark of real love

The fight to honour Ireland’s heroes of the First World War

July 31, 2014

On at least 44 days more than 100 Irishmen were killed during the Great War, but they are only now being recognised