The ending of one-off energy payments in Budget 2026 will "disproportionately impact low-income households", according to the Irish Catholic Bishops.
At their autumn conference, they discussed the first publication of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, Dilexi te, which centres on the poor.
In that context, they said that the ending of one-off payments, amid continuing rising fuel costs, would adversely affect discretionary spending of the majority of working families.
They stressed the importance of parishes and communities across Ireland engaging with Dilexi te as part of Catholic social teaching.
They said the issues referred to by Pope Leo in the document, which was begun by Pope Francis, are visible in Ireland today.
"Despite the apparent economic buoyancy of the Irish economy, it is obvious that many people and families are still struggling to make ends meet due to high energy and food costs, and the housing crisis across the island of Ireland," they stated.
Gaza
On Gaza, they welcomed the negotiated peace agreement, "however fragile".
They said the international community had an obligation to maintain the momentum for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
They noted the "perseverance and example" of the local Christian communities throughout the conflict, notably the Holy Family parish in Gaza.
Marriage
The bishops were informed about commissioned market research on marriage, which was undertaken in August 2025 by Amárach on behalf of Accord.
It found that 53% of non-married Catholics were not aware of the possibility of having a marriage ceremony in church without mass.
60% said they would want to get married in a church.
Synod
The Synodal Pathway - which is a spiritual and consultative process for the Catholic Church - the bishops reflected on Ireland’s progress.
Bishops expressed hope that local church communities would become true "laboratories of synodality" ahead of next year’s National Assembly.
Priorities include belonging, co-responsibility and lay ministry, family, formation and catechesis, healing, women, and youth.
Child safeguarding
A third round of Independent Reviews of Child Safeguarding Practice will begin in 2026.
Representatives of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland informed bishops that staff are currently working on a methodology for reviews.
This will involve external independent safeguarding experts, and which will examine all aspects of child safeguarding in dioceses and congregations.
