Pope Leo XIV gave the first insight to what direction his papacy would take early last month when he published his first official teaching – Dilexi Te – (“I have loved you”). This document had been begun by his predecessor, Francis, and he gladly took it up, made it own, and has issued it as… Read more »

There are many ways of making the connection between environmentalism and Jesus. An important one, I believe, is his humility.

Introduction New research by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and ACET Ireland has identified almost fifty faith-based communities in the north-east inner-city of Dublin. A key aim of the research was to analyse the role of faith-based communities in fostering the integration of migrants, refugees, and immigrants in the north-east inner-city, and how… Read more »

Clúid housing announced they are now taking applications for a new cost-rental scheme in Belmayne that includes 1-, 2-, and 3-bed apartments. This, of course, is a good thing. Affordable housing is crucially needed and should be celebrated when either Approved Housing Bodies or the State are trying to deliver housing for more people. 1-bed… Read more »

Naming the Assumptions Let us start by stating two common assumptions: The first position used to be extended often by Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens and their ilk. I have heard it myself: that religion is a sort of psychological crutch for people who can’t quite cope. While it seems like it might have some… Read more »

Last January, the Irish Times published an opinion piece by myself and Imam Samsudeen MecSheain: ‘Freedom of religion an empty formula unless places to worship available.’ It drew attention to a new and unfamiliar reality. People who have recently moved to Ireland do something, which we historically did when we were an emigrant people. They… Read more »

In August, my colleague Kevin Hargaden posted a blog on the scramble for student accommodation and dignity in housing, drawing important attention on how we see quality housing contributing to the “common good”. The piece argues that we need affordable housing near to campuses, and I agree. But what we also need—and a thought that… Read more »

Once upon a time, long ago, I found myself sitting in a hotel bar having coffee with a prominent writer who self consciously presents themselves as a defender of the best of conservative political theory. The conversation flowed pretty naturally. I love to talk about ideas, especially with people who come at things differently from… Read more »

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice is delighted to announce the appointment of Fr Niall Leahy SJ as its new Director. The appointment marks a further investment by the Irish Jesuits in the mission and work of JCFJ. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Management, the Chairperson, Dr Pat Nolan, has given Fr… Read more »

In October 2022, two young people from the environmental activist group, Just Stop Oil, walked into the National Gallery in London carrying tins of soup. They opened one tin and hurled it over the glass protecting Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting Sunflowers. The painting itself was unharmed. The seventeenth-century Italian frame was splashed. It needed some… Read more »