“For four years, since I became a priest in 2016, I have been burying my parishioners,” – Fr Ebute.

"To have a different opinion does not mean to be an enemy. It is precisely from the contrast of opinions that the light comes," says Zimbabwe's Catholic bishops in the face of government suppresion of any form of dissent or criticism of its rulers' failings.

As far as the international community is concerned, there is so much hypocrisy and lack of will. Clearly, if there is political will, there will be an end to it – Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto diocese in Nigeria.

In the name of God, let it end now – Fr Phil Gaffney, PP.

“The reprehensible sub-culture in our society which views all human life as expendable, including the lives of children, must be defeated” – Bishop Michael Router.

Abductions in the state have become “a big business” though some kidnappings are for religious reasons, – Rev John Joseph Hayab.

“Western nations are not doing enough. They have shown that the resources of Africa are more important than the ordinary people," Bishop Kukah.

"These baptized are martyrs. They have not betrayed the Gospel," - Cardinal Sarah.

Women’s bodies must be freed from consumerism. They must be respected and honoured, said Pope Francis in his homily on the first day of the year, which is dedicated to the figure of Mary, Mother of God.

"Until the population dialogues with their children and gives me a written guarantee of the safety of the pastors who work for them, the parishes will remain without pastors,” - Bishop Nkea.

“Evidently, many of the Western powers have an interest in seeing the violence continue, and their profits are more important than our lives” – Bishop Kientega.

International reports on religious freedom confirm time and again that Christians are the most persecuted group, says ACN.

“This is a strong community that will put pressure on those who have brought violence into the community.”

Remarks were made in jest, the President's press office claims – but three priests have been killed in targeted attacks this year.

Attacks on people in any part of our community are an affront to our society and deserve our unqualified condemnation, Bishop McKeown and Bishop Good said in a joint statement.

Garden sought to “shine a light" on people being evicted from lands in Central America, extractive industries polluting natural resources like water in Zimbabwe, and the work of human rights defenders in Israel/Palestine.”

Sr Kathleen McGarvey helped set up WIC in 2010 to enable Muslim and Christian women tackle issues of common concern such as health, literacy, unemployment and violence – both domestic and interreligious.

To counter terrorism, we must “keep reminding each other of high ideals and have the courage to speak of them and promote them”.

“We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith and ‘welcoming the stranger’ as Jesus has challenged us to do.”

Prize will be presented to Irish Columban missionary on behalf of the Preda Foundation on 4 May in the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Germany.

“The world is watching as we abandon our commitments to American values. These actions ... lower our estimation in the eyes of the many peoples who want to know America as a defender of human rights and religious liberty”.

In his annual new year’s address to the diplomatic corps, Pontiff stresses need to promote peace in a time of mass migrations, economic stagnation and violent extremism.

“Being unarmed does seem to suggest that, as a matter of policy, Gardaí will seek to respond to crime in a non-violent way. By doing this, they contribute to reducing the level of violence, rather than escalating it.”

Thanks to the contribution of many to active nonviolence, Limerick is now a city that is beginning to sing a song of co-operation and regeneration, new vitality and effective management, artistic, sport and cultural renewal.

St Laurence O’Toole’s integrity as a man of God, rather than any political agenda, permitted him to have influence in society.

"We intensify our plea for mutual understanding and a just and lasting peace for this land which has known too much conflict, too much pain and division," Archbishop Eamon Martin tells Bethlehem's mayor.

“The Catholic Church has no other weapons but prayer and brotherhood among all peoples.”

“At this time, our spirit is once more shaken by the sad news relating to the deplorable acts of terrorism and violence which have caused suffering and death.”

Counterbalance with love this awful crime, appeals Primate.

"All lives matter: black, white, Muslim, Christian, Hindu. We are all children of God and all human life is precious.”