The focus of the first prayer intention of the New Year is inter-religious dialogue and is “further incontrovertible evidence that Pope Francis is a man of dialogue”.

Let commemorations “inspire us as a people to give of our best for our own people in Ireland and to open our hearts to world needs too”.

"We remember in a special way during this Christmas season the plight of those Christians who have lost everything for their faith.”

Rare designation is given by the Holy Father to places of worship which are of particular historical significance.

Pope Francis message marking 49th World Day of Peace, calls people to overcome indifference and win peace. "God is not indifferent" - neither should we be.

Place Jesus at the centre of our life and know it is our responsibility to protect him, Pope tells pilgrims gathered for final Wednesday audience of 2015.

Pope tells 30,000 attending European Meeting of Young Adults that mercy “will guide you not only to receive it in your lives but also to be close to those who are in distress".

Diocese "has an ancient and proud heritage whose roots stretch back almost one and a half thousand years preceding even its spiritual father, St Columba.”

Young singers travel to Rome today to participate in the 40th International Congress of Pueri Cantores.

Canon Paul McAleenan studied for the priesthood in St Patrick's College Thurles. Cardinal Nichols will preside at episcopal ordination on 25 January.

Appointment as assistant secretary to the Pontifical Council for Culture is a sign of Pope Francis' personal appreciation of his work: Archbishop Martin.

“At the age of 18, Blessed Teresa came here to study English and begin her life as a nun with the Loreto Sisters in Dublin” - Archbishop Eamon Martin.

“A city in which one man suffers less is a better city” - Caritas Rome founder Don Luigi Di Liegro.

At a special ceremony, Confirmation students in the parish of Ashbourne/Donaghmore will pledge to abstain from cyber bullying and alcohol.

Church leaders issue messages for Christmas 2015 and urge people to become envoys of hope in the name of Christ, who was born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Archbishop Michael Jackson calls for "courage in a time of fragility” in his reflection on the impact of the terror attacks one month on.

Motu proprio ‘The Lord Jesus, the Gentle Judge’ is intended to show the Church’s “closeness to wounded families”.

Twenty priests hear confessions for five hours at shopping mall in Shannon at the start of the Year of Mercy.

On Sunday 13 December, Sr Mary Reynolds RSM will open the door of 64A Lower Baggot Street in Dublin - the first House of Mercy founded by Venerable Catherine McAuley.

“To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them."

Baptising children simply to be able to attend a specific school is an abuse of baptism Archbishop Diarmuid Martin warns.

Anniversary is also a time to review, to recommit to renewal and to discern what the Spirit today is saying to the Church.

Tributes to ecumenical and educational expertise of auxiliary bishop of Down and Connor, the longest-serving bishop in the country.

“The fact that these talks are being held when millions along eastern Africa are experiencing chronic food shortages due to drought highlights exactly what is at stake."

Pontiff calls for “good and transparent governance, integral human development and a wide and just distribution” of Africa’s goods.

Irish missionary is helping over half a million of Kenya's poorest eking out an existence in a slum with inadequate sanitation, medical, educational and water services.

“We have a responsibility to pass on the beauty of nature in its integrity to future generations, and an obligation to exercise a just stewardship of the gifts we have received."

Priests should be “authoritative, not authoritarian; firm, but not hard; joyful, but not superficial…in short, shepherds, not functionaries”.

“Here before the door of this Jubilee of Mercy, let us ask that the world discover the ability to weep for its crimes, for what the world does with war.”

Speaking at last week’s meeting of Mayo County Council, Minister Ring said, “I hope the Pope sees fit to come to Knock and relaunch Knock Shrine.”