On Syria and Iraq Pontiff appeals, “We need to find a solution, which is never a violent one, because violence only creates new wounds”.
“Once again the ugly consequences of war have caused multitudes of good people to take great risks as they seek refuge in foreign lands.”
It is “heartening to see that priority will be given to unaccompanied minors and that family reunification will be supported” - Eamonn Meehan.
A committee has been set up in the Co Laois town to locate and prepare housing for refugee families.
Parish communities asked to consider whether there are vacant properties - houses, granny-flats or spare-rooms which might accommodate refugees.
Pope’s appeal for solidarity and welcome is a call for a creative and generous response in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“Migrants are not a threat to the EU but our policies are a threat to them” - Caritas Europa.
“The current mass movement of people into Europe represents the most serious displacement crisis the European Union has faced in recent times."
“We have to be careful of the fear factor that is sometimes generated on this issue and instead look at more creative ways of welcoming people into the country”: Primate.
“The loss of such high numbers of innocent lives at sea resonates strongly with the Irish experience of the ‘coffin ships’ during the time of the Great Famine” – Bishop Crean.
Bishops listen to "heart rending" testimony from Syrian Catholic Archbishop of Iraqi city of Mosul on the plight of his people.
“A new wave of boat people, ejected by excruciating poverty and conflict from both Myanmar and Bangladesh, are adrift in the seas.”
Desperate attempts by thousands of refugees to cross the Mediterranean is a challenge to ‘Christian’ Europe, which demands a coordinated and compassionate response.
Under a plan to be published on Wednesday, the EU is expected to impose migrant quotas on the 28 countries of the Union.
Persecution is intensifying, Archbishop Neary warns, with ancient Christian communities driven from their lands through ethnic cleaning.
Since 15 March 2011, 210,000 people have been killed in the war in Syria, one million injured, and more than 4 million people have fled the country.
83% of lights in Syria extinguished since 2011 in "worst humanitarian crisis the world has seen in a generation" according to Trócaire.
US Conference of Catholic Bishops launches National Migration Week 2015 today.
Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal, appeals on behalf of the people of Gaza.
Greek Orthodox priest in Nazareth warns "What is happening is genocide."
On behalf of the Irish people, President pays tribute to the “courageous” health workers, doctors and nurses, battling to contain the virus.
Bishop Oliver Doeme of Maiduguri warns "There is a religious undertone to this whole mess.”
Only 10 EU member states responded to UNHCR appeal on behalf of Syrian refugees.
Sheer number of refugees is having a devastating impact.
"Living in Ethiopia is like living in America compared to South Sudan.”
Call for Govt to increase resettlement commitment to victims of Syrian conflict to 300.
“We remember those who have left our shores in the hope of making a new life for themselves abroad."
The elderly may be "hidden exiles" who are marginalised and treated as burdens within their own families.
Concern 'monitoring situation' as clashes continue in capitals of oil producing states.
Talks continue over 12 nuns kidnapped on 6 December.
