Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

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The pope's coffin will be moved from Casa Santa Marta to lie in state at the basilica

Security in Rome to intensify ahead of Pope's funeral

Since the death of Pope Francis on Monday the atmosphere in Rome has been strangely one of 'business as usual'.

Pope Francis • 24 Apr 25

Pope Francis died this morning at the age of 88

Obituary: Pope Francis led different papacy from outset

Pope Francis was a man of the people, who will be remembered most for his compassion, his courage and his humility, writes Ailbhe Conneely.

Pope Francis • 21 Apr 25

Conor McGregor said his visit to the Oval office on St Patrick's day was 'a great moment', where 'we got to speak our case'

McGregor requests 'democratic process' before election

Conor McGregor has said he will continue to request "a democratic process" plays out in advance of a presidential election, adding that if the people of Ireland wanted him to run "that's what I'm here for".

Ireland • 19 Apr 25

After eight years of investigation, the Commission identified significant failures in Grace's care (stock photo)

'Grace' case: Many arguably still falling through cracks

Norma Foley outlined areas where there have been improvements in the area of child safeguarding in recent years. However, given that there are children in unregulated emergency accommodation, many are arguably continuing to fall through the cracks.

Analysis and Comment • 15 Apr 25

The two-year course at the Newman Institute in Ballina enabled the participants to work alongside priests

64 parishioners to become church lay leaders in Mayo

Over 60 parishioners will be commissioned as Catholic Church lay leaders at a ceremony in Co Mayo marking Easter Holy Week later today.

Connacht • 15 Apr 25

A total of 847 people sought asylum last month, representing a fall in more than 50% compared to the same period last year

Numbers seeking asylum in Ireland down 40% on last year

The number of people applying for international protection in Ireland has fallen by more than 40% over the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.

Ireland • 11 Apr 25

IHREC said that the Government's approach and the new law 'raises serious rule of law concerns'

IHREC express concern on legislation to strip citizenship

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has expressed grave concern over a decision by the Minister for Justice to sign an order commencing legislation allowing for naturalised Irish citizenship to be revoked in serious cases.

Ireland • 11 Apr 25

The ECJ's Advocate General said a member state's failure to meet the basic needs of international protection applicants infringes EU law

Ireland cannot avoid responsibility for IPA housing - ECJ

Ireland as an EU Member State cannot avoid responsibility for providing adequate reception conditions even in cases where there is a large influx of people seeking international protection, according to the European Court of Justice's Advocate General.

Courts • 10 Apr 25

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said the survey has confirmed what it hears from survivors regularly (Stock image)

People unlikely to report sexual violence - survey

People are unlikely to report sexual violence to gardaí or to others out of fear of not being believed, according to a new survey.

Ireland • 09 Apr 25

Two out of eight religious bodies have offered a financial contribution towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme

Two religious bodies respond on lack of payment to scheme

Two out of five of the religious bodies which did not offer any form of payment or contribution during the negotiations regarding the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme have responded to queries as to why they did not offer payment.

Ireland • 08 Apr 25