Tag: visit

  • Theresa Might to go to Nigeria as Brexit trade mission keeps

    Theresa May speaks to business leaders at the offices of First National Bank in Cape Town, Image copyright EPA Image caption Theresa May spoke to business leaders in Cape Town on Tuesday, at the first day of her excursion

    Theresa May will seek advice from Nigeria later at the 2d day of her industry venture to spice up ties with Africa after Brexit.

    Mrs Might will discuss safety, business and people trafficking with President Muhammadu Buhari before meeting sufferers of contemporary slavery in Lagos.

    The top minister already announced £4bn of additional British enhance for African economies during the first leg of her shuttle on Tuesday.

    She additionally insisted her “good” Brexit plans will ship a “good” deal.

    May’s undertaking to woo Africa after Brexit PM seeks new jobs partnership with Africa Would Possibly sticking by means of ‘smart’ Brexit plans

    Mrs May will travel to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria – Britain’s 2d biggest trading spouse in Africa – for talks with President Buhari.

    And Mrs Might Also pledged a “fundamental shift” in support spending to do something about long-term economic and security demanding situations as opposed to brief-time period poverty reduction.

    On Thursday, she will end her excursion in Kenya, the place she is going to hang talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta and attend a state dinner, seek advice from a industry college and meet British troops.

    Brexit ‘still on timetable’

    While in South Africa, the top minster additionally faced questions from newshounds on Brexit.

    She instructed the BBC’s Ben Wright that the united kingdom is “nonetheless working to the timetable” because it is at the beginning set out in the Brexit negotiations.

    It comes after the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier indicated final week that a deal may be driven again to early November.

    She performed down warnings from Chancellor Philip Hammond – who mentioned remaining week that a no-deal Brexit could injury the economy.

    She said the comments had been in response to analysis first released in January that were, at the time, a “work in development”.

    Nigeria’s best export to the uk is crude oil and its biggest import is delicate oil, a structural inefficiency that ends up in common fuel shortages as the populous West African country lacks a properly functioning refinery.

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  • Six pics that sum up Puerto Rico crisis

    Many interior roads are still heavily damaged, as officials prioritised mending coastal roads Image copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption Many internal roads are nonetheless closely damaged, as officers prioritised mending coastal roads

    The island of Puerto Rico used to be devastated via the worst hurricane in its historical past over 3 weeks ago.

    Parts of the Caribbean island – house to THREE.4 million US citizens – remain remoted, and call networks have been catastrophically ruined, making it tricky to ensure the image at the floor.

    US President Donald Trump, who visited the island weeks after Hurricane Maria hit, has pledged a snappy restoration however mavens say it will take months to complete.

    Meanwhile – three weeks after the disaster – best about 10% of Puerto Ricans have electricity and lots of are fleeing for the mainland United States.

    Path of Hurricane across Puerto Rico

    What does Puerto Rico’s recovery look like three weeks after Maria?

    A Part Of the rationale Puerto Rico’s recovery has been slowed is the island’s reliance on air and sea ports to deliver fuel, water and food. Runways had to be cleared of particles and provides had been caught within the island’s ports because of a US law that limits delivery among parts of the u.s. to US-flagged vessels.

    Puerto Rico pressed the u.s. to lift the act, and President Trump waived the act for 10 days to help with the recovery.

    Mr Trump has additionally blamed native truck drivers for not getting again to paintings turning in provides extra briefly.

    a number of the so much lingering dangers of the typhoon is the shortage of clean water on the island, which has pressured residents to collect from natural springs and ponds wherever possible.

    Public health experts concern that this drawback will make the restoration much more fatal as sanitary stipulations worsen.

    The USNS Comfort health facility send, which arrived on THREE October, got here bearing 500 medical personnel and 250 hospital beds onboard.

    Image copyright Getty Pictures Image caption Puerto Ricans were gathering water anywhere they can

    Even As agriculture isn’t any longer a prime driving force of Puerto Rico’s economic system, the destruction of the overwhelming majority of plants on the island method growers in the coffee, plantains and other common agricultural industries have misplaced their whole livelihoods in a single hurricane.

    lack of vegetation also method Puerto Ricans will need to import more of their food, an attempt made extra complicated by means of the nearby exporting nations within the Caribbean who have also been hit through hurricanes.

    The storm knocked much of Puerto’s Rico communications infrastructure, splitting a crucial link between family members that are living in the continental US and on the island, to boot as cell phone networks that would be used to organise the recovery response.

    Rebuilding the cell phone community is expected to take many months.

    Citizens of Puerto Rico are americans, despite the fact that they have got no balloting consultant in Congress and can’t ship electors to vote in US presidential races.

    Only approximately 1/2 mainland Americans in a contemporary poll recognize Puerto Ricans are fellow Americans. In a survey, wisdom in their citizenship meant respondents have been somewhat much more likely to enhance relief support.

  • Papal discuss with: Ireland’s Catholic Church in graphs

    Candles in Catholic Church Image copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption The Catholic Church in Eire is organised on an all-island foundation

    Pope Francis is coming to the Republic of ireland within the wake of two referendums which illustrate a rustic shifting clear of its conventional Catholic roots.

    Church and state were once deeply entwined in a country that used to be some of the so much conservative in Europe.

    Over the previous three years, the Irish voters has voted to legalise comparable-sex marriage and to finish the constitutional ban on abortion.

    But in spite of groundbreaking adjustments in social attitudes, official figures show the Republic of eire is still a predominantly Catholic us of a.

    the latest census, carried out in 2016, confirmed that more than 3 quarters of the inhabitants describe themselves as Catholic.

    Image caption Maynooth is the biggest seminary in Ireland

    In 1981, two years after Pope John Paul II toured Ireland, Catholics accounted for NINETY THREE% of the population.

    The 1991 census, performed shortly ahead of the Church used to be engulfed in clerical abuse scandals, recorded little amendment at NINETY TWO%.

    But by way of 2011, the determine had fallen to EIGHTY FOUR% and over the next five years, there has been an additional decline.

    the newest to be had statistic, from the 2016 census, places the share of Catholics in Eire at 78%.

    The Irish Crucial Facts Office (CSO) said that decline has been accompanied through a “corresponding rise within the quantity with out a religion”.

    There are now greater than 468,000 Irish residents who say they are now not non secular, equating to just about one tenth of the population.

    Image caption The Republic of ireland remains to be a predominantly Catholic united states of america

    The Catholic Church in Ireland is traditionally organised on an all-island foundation, with a few of its 26 dioceses and archdioceses stretching along either side of the Irish border.

    In Northern Ireland, the Catholic inhabitants is rising, particularly amongst more youthful age groups.

    Between Census Day 2001 and Census Day 2011, Northern Ireland’s Catholic inhabitants higher through nearly 80,000.

    The census in 2011 said that Catholics made up 45% of the inhabitants, while Protestants accounted for FORTY EIGHT%.

    However more recent figures, taken from the 2016 Labour Force Survey, showed that FORTY FOUR% of the running-age inhabitants are actually Catholic even as 40% are Protestant.

    Symbol caption The older population is more likely to describe themselves as Catholic

    The Difference is even more marked among Northern Ireland’s schoolchildren, where more than half (FIFTY ONE%) are Catholic and 37% are Protestant.

    Age is an especially major factor in non secular demographics.

    Data from probably the most contemporary Ecu Social Survey (EES) showed that teenagers in the Republic of eire are thrice more likely to say they have no faith than the oldest voters of the state.

    Just over 40% of 15-25 year olds who took section in the survey in 2016/17 mentioned they were not non secular, whilst handiest THIRTEEN% of these elderly over EIGHTY FIVE had no faith.

    However, a few of the remaining 60% of 15-25 years who mentioned they are religious, the vast majority (87%) described themselves as Catholic.

    Symbol caption Even If Mass attendances have fallen, they remain prime in comparison to Europe

    A technology in the past, Sunday Mass used to be a regular characteristic of life in Eire, whilst now many church buildings fight to fill their pews on the Sabbath.

    However, spiritual carrier attendance amongst more youthful Irish Catholics keeps to be quite high, perhaps now not through conventional Irish requirements, but no doubt compared to their Ecu friends,

    St Mary’s College, Twickenham, has analysed information from ESS surveys in 2014 and 2016, and found that just about a quarter of Irish Catholics elderly 16-29 declare to attend church a minimum of as soon as per week.

    Young Catholics in Poland, homeland of Pope John Paul II, top the listing with FORTY SEVEN% of them attending weekly Mass, followed by their Portuguese counterparts at 27%.

    Looking on the wider inhabitants, fewer than half (FORTY FOUR%) of Irish Catholic adults who took part in the 2016/17 ESS said they went to church no less than as soon as every week.

    However, the determine nonetheless means that Irish respondents are more religious than the ones in different historically Catholic nations like Portugal, Italy and Spain.

    The Pope in Ireland: Different stories you may like

    Loaves to bathrooms: Pope Francis’ consult with in numbers ‘Lollipopes’ to bunting: The Papal merchandise flying off the shelves at the bus: Remembering Pope John Paul II’s 1979 seek advice from

    even if they are no longer common Mass-goers, Irish Catholics still flip to the Church to mark important events in their lives.

    In 2016, there were simply over 14,SEVEN HUNDRED Catholic wedding ceremonies right through Ireland, both north and south of the border, and greater than 68,000 baptisms.

    However, the figures are decrease compared to 1979, when Ireland ultimate hosted a papal visit.

    Back then there were more than EIGHTY TWO,SEVEN HUNDRED baptisms and the number of weddings was 38% upper with virtually 23,900 Catholic couples tying the knot.

    Such celebrations nonetheless require a celebrant, and with few young men joining the ranks of the clergy, parish monks are in brief supply.

    Numbers halved

    The 2018 Irish Catholic Directory states that there are greater than 3,900 monks at the island, but that determine includes individuals of non secular orders in addition as clerics who’re retired, in poor health or on have a look at leave.

    Image copyright Getty Photographs Image caption The seminary in Maynooth was once designed to accommodate 500 trainees priests (picture circa 1935)

    Earlier this month, the Diocese of Clogher printed a pastoral letter entitled “The Long Run Mission of Our Parishes” which defined the “present reality within the diocese in terms of the diminishing collection of clergymen and their expanding age profile”.

    “During The previous 12 months by myself, the diocese has misplaced the service of 7 monks via demise, serious sickness and other reasons,” a diocesan observation stated.

    “Even As there has been one new priest ordained, the letter makes it’s clear that the number of active clergymen in our diocese will continue to say no.”

    The letter set out a “imaginative and prescient for a wide range of lay ministries” inside the Diocese of Clogher and added that “great chances lie beforehand”.

    Reduced Mass occasions

    BBC News NI contacted each and every of the 26 dioceses to get an image of how they’re dealing with the demographic effects of the drop in vocations.

    Symbol copyright Getty Images Symbol caption The Catholic Church in Ireland is organised on an all-island foundation

    Every diocese was requested for his or her up to date facts on the numbers of energetic, retired, newly ordained and non-nationwide monks, and whether or not they had to minimize products and services due to a shortage of clergymen.

    The figures display the parish staffing situation around the island is very mixed, with about half the dioceses pronouncing there has been no significant impact on services and products over the earlier five years.

    However, the rest said they’ve either decreased or readjusted Mass occasions, or indicated that they’re an increasing number of dependent on lay Catholics to take on more parish responsibilities.

    Diocese of Anchonry

    Choice Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide monks Ordinations in final five years 23 29 NINE 0 1

    Has the diocese been compelled to reduce services and products? “There will have been a few re-adjustments but no vital loss in services and products provided.”

    Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois

    Choice Of parishes Lively diocesan monks Retired diocesan monks Non-nationwide monks Ordinations in ultimate five years 41 FIFTY THREE 7 THREE 2

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back products and services? “4 parishes have diminished the number of weekend Plenty and brought a Sunday evening Mass.”

    Archdiocese of Armagh

    Collection Of parishes Energetic diocesan priests Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national priests Ordinations in final five years 61 ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN 25 ELEVEN 7

    Has the archdiocese been forced to cut back services and products? “Yes.”

    Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly

    Choice Of parishes Energetic diocesan priests Retired diocesan clergymen Non-nationwide clergymen Ordinations in closing 5 years FORTY SIX SEVENTY EIGHT 3 0 2

    Has the archdiocese been pressured to reduce services? “Yes.”

    Diocese of Clogher

    Number Of parishes Active diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national monks Ordinations in last 5 years 37 FIFTY FIVE 11 0 5

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back products and services? “The Diocese of Clogher reviews the provision of pastoral ministry within the diocese on an ongoing foundation so as to take account of assorted cases, including the supply of clergymen.”

    Diocese of Clonfert

    Selection Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national priests Ordinations in remaining five years 24 33 7 2 ZERO

    Has the diocese been compelled to reduce products and services? “No.”

    Diocese of Cloyne

    Collection Of parishes Active diocesan monks Retired diocesan monks Non-national priests Ordinations in remaining 5 years 46 82 27 1 3

    Has the diocese been forced to scale back services? “No.”

    Diocese of Cork and Ross

    Collection Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide monks Ordinations in ultimate 5 years SIXTY EIGHT EIGHTY FIVE 20 FOUR FOUR

    Has the diocese been forced to reduce services and products? “Services have not been diminished within the ultimate five years.”

    Diocese of Derry

    Number Of parishes Lively diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national monks Ordinations in last 5 years FIFTY ONE 78 20 3 6

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back products and services? “There has now not been any vital modification within the collection of Lots within the Diocese of Derry over the prior 5 years.”

    Diocese of Down and Connor

    Selection Of parishes Energetic diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national monks Ordinations in closing five years 87 108 49 FIVE FIVE

    Has the diocese been forced to scale back products and services? A spokesman mentioned the times of services and products “are reviewed on an ongoing foundation”, but added that it’s “tricky to attribute these adjustments to a scarcity of priests”. He stated Down and Connor “keeps to meet the needs” of all its parishes.

    Diocese of Dromore

    Selection Of parishes Active diocesan priests Retired diocesan monks Non-nationwide priests Ordinations in ultimate 5 years 22 29 6 3 1

    Has the diocese been pressured to scale back services? A spokesman mentioned services have been modified for a “wide selection of reasons”, including converting population trends, so it’s no longer proper “to link this simply to a discount in the collection of priests”.

    Archdiocese of Dublin

    Collection Of parishes Active diocesan priests Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide priests Ordinations in ultimate 5 years 199 247 97 No actual determine but “relatively small” 7

    Has the archdiocese been compelled to cut back services and products? “There are enough clergymen for the birthday celebration of Sunday Mass – then again, the choice of Plenty has been decreased in a few parishes.”

    Diocese of Elphin

    Choice Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan monks Non-nationwide priests Ordinations in final 5 years 37 35* 6 12 0

    Has the diocese been forced to cut back services? “Now Not considerably, thanks to the generosity of monks… Priests are experiencing greater power to fulfill pastoral needs and particularly to seek out energy for new tasks and demanding situations.” *Elphin has a strong missionary custom and its 35 diocesan clergymen are supported complete-time via 28 non-diocesan priests.

    Diocese of Ferns

    Choice Of parishes Active diocesan monks Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide clergymen Ordinations in ultimate 5 years FORTY NINE SEVENTY EIGHT 25 ZERO 2

    Has the diocese been pressured to cut back services? “Sure.”

    Diocese of Galway and Kilmacudagh

    Collection Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national priests Ordinations in ultimate five years 38 50 19 0 FIVE

    Has the diocese been pressured to reduce products and services? “Mass schedules change for a wide range of reasons, it is incorrect to signify such changes as ‘pressured’.

    Diocese of Kerry

    Selection Of parishes Energetic diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide monks Ordinations in closing five years 53 FIFTY FOUR 25 1 1

    Has the diocese been pressured to reduce products and services? “Sure. WE HAVE NOW six parishes with out a resident priest.” Their spokeswoman brought that a “key priority is resourcing the laity to soak up roles of accountability”.

    Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin

    Selection Of parishes Active diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide priests Ordinations in ultimate 5 years 56 SIXTY THREE 26 5 1

    Has the diocese been pressured to reduce products and services? “A Few parishes have rearranged Lots… but clergymen continue to do the entire issues they in most cases would with the assistance of the parish circle of relatives.”

    Diocese of Killala

    Selection Of parishes Energetic diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national clergymen Ordinations in ultimate 5 years 22 33 11 0 1

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back products and services? “No.”

    Diocese of Killaloe

    Selection Of parishes Active diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan priests Non-nationwide monks Ordinations in remaining five years 58 SIXTY EIGHT 24 3 2

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back services and products? “Yes.”

    Diocese of Kilmore

    Selection Of parishes Active diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan monks Non-nationwide clergymen Ordinations in final 5 years 34 FIFTY ONE 17 1 0

    Has the diocese been forced to scale back services and products? “The number of priests has been lowered via up to part. The Place once there were two priests ministering, now there may be just one.”

    Diocese of Limerick

    Choice Of parishes Lively diocesan priests Retired diocesan clergymen Non-nationwide priests Ordinations in closing 5 years 60 62 32 3 1

    Has the diocese been pressured to cut back services? “It is clear that with fewer clergymen not as many might be serious about more than a few pastoral actions; there are then again many lay other folks taking on new roles… within the last year greater than A HUNDRED AND TWENTY parish volunteers had been educated to guide public prayer.”

    Diocese of Meath

    Choice Of parishes Lively diocesan priests Retired diocesan clergymen Non-nationwide clergymen Ordinations in ultimate five years 69 86 19 FIVE 7

    Has the diocese been compelled to reduce services and products? A spokesman stated: “There have been no really extensive adjustments on the whole to provision of Lots, sacraments or pastoral services and products over the prior five years.” However they delivered that lay individuals are “taking part in a extra energetic role”.

    Diocese of Ossory

    Collection Of parishes Lively diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan priests Non-national monks Ordinations in final 5 years 42 FIFTY THREE 14 0 1

    Has the diocese been compelled to cut back services? Their spokesman said Mass times had been adjusted in contemporary years and provides that it is “for sure real to say this also displays the selection of clergy”.

    Diocese of Raphoe

    Collection Of parishes Lively diocesan clergymen Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national priests Ordinations in final 5 years 33 FIFTY EIGHT 14 1 FOUR

    Has the diocese been compelled to scale back services and products? “No.”

    Archdiocese of Tuam

    Selection Of parishes Energetic diocesan priests Retired diocesan clergymen Non-national clergymen Ordinations in remaining 5 years 55 62 34 1 2

    Has the archdiocese been pressured to cut back products and services? “Not necessarily, the restructuring was deliberate well upfront.”

    Diocese of Waterford and Lismore

    Collection Of parishes Energetic diocesan monks Retired diocesan clergymen Non-nationwide clergymen Ordinations in final five years FORTY FIVE 66 EIGHT 7 1

    Has the diocese been forced to scale back services? “There has been a small aid within the number of scheduled Plenty, specifically at weekends. There are not any adjustments in relation to baptisms or marriages.”

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  • Papal talk over with: Answers to the most frequently asked questions

    Pope Francis Symbol copyright EPA Image caption Pope Francis will arrive in Dublin on Saturday

    The waiting is sort of over.

    Pope Francis is because of contact down on Irish soil on Saturday for a 32-hour stay.

    It will likely be the first papal consult with to eire in nearly 4 decades, due to the fact that Pope John Paul II came in 1979.

    Ahead of the weekend’s occasions, BBC News NI’s Mark Simpson solutions the entire crucial questions about the approaching papal trip.

    Where can i see the Pope?

    If You shouldn’t have a price ticket for the principle events, your perfect wager is the centre of Dublin on Saturday afternoon. He shall be travelling down O’Connell Boulevard within the popemobile simply after SIXTEEN:00 BST, then vacationing alongside Dame Boulevard.

    Image caption Retail Outlets are making ready for the Pope’s talk over with

    Is he simplest going to Dublin?

    No, he is going to the Knock Shrine in County Mayo on Sunday morning however once more that may be a ticketed event, and again they’ve all been snapped up.

    Why is he not going to Northern Eire?

    The Catholic Church in Ireland asked the Vatican to include a go-border trip however they politely refused. the truth that there may be political impasse at Stormont will have been a big issue. without a first and deputy first ministers to satisfy the Pope, it could had been diplomatically awkward.

    Will a trip to Northern Ireland ever occur?

    If the shuttle to Dublin goes neatly, pressure will develop for a specific discuss with to Belfast or Armagh in the close to long run … if Stormont returns.

    Has Pope Francis been to Dublin earlier than?

    Once. In 1980 he got here for roughly a month to study English.

    How good is his English?

    Now Not excellent at all. he is fluent in Italian, and coming from Argentina his native tongue is Spanish.

    What age is he?

    81.

    How lengthy is he staying in Ireland?

    Two days. 32 hours to be precise. He arrives on Saturday morning and leaves on Sunday evening.

    Will he be assembly any sufferers of clerical intercourse abuse?

    Yes, but the Vatican has now not said while and the place. No Matter What occurs, it’s more likely to be non-public. No cameras. we will most likely simplest discover approximately it after it occurs.

    Will he say a lot in regards to the abuse issue?

    he’ll no doubt say one thing. it’s the primary papal seek advice from to ireland because the abuse scandal broke. Recent revelations about the fashionable abuse by way of clergymen in Pennsylvania within the Usa have ensured the problem cannot be have shyed away from.

    Precisely what is he anticipated to mention?

    Campaigners for sufferers of abuse wish to pay attention greater than an apology. They wish to recognize what motion the Pope goes to take. the first chance for him to talk concerning the factor will probably be at a state reception at Dublin Citadel at lunchtime on Saturday.

    Will there be protests?

    Yes, wherever the Pope is going, demonstrators say they’ll now not be distant. the primary protest is at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance on Sunday afternoon at the related time as the Papal Mass at Phoenix Park.

    Symbol caption Pope souvenirs are prominent

    What concerning the ‘Say Nope to the Pope’ marketing campaign?

    Some folks snapped up the free tickets to papal events without a intention of attending. It used to be a form of protest to take a look at to scale back the crowds. it’s not clear how standard the method used to be, and whether or not it’ll have an have an effect on.

    Ireland among Popes Church in graphs: Is Catholicism still significant to Irish life? Loaves to bogs: Pope Francis’ visit in numbers ‘Lollipopes’ to bunting: The Papal products flying off the cabinets at the bus: Remembering Pope John Paul II’s 1979 seek advice from kids look ahead to Pope’s visit

    Will the Pope meet any Protestants?

    Sure, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Church Of Ireland leaders have all been invited to the reception at Dublin Castle.

    Will he meet any Unionists?

    Ian Paisley’s vintage celebration, the DUP, additionally gained a call for participation to Dublin Citadel, however current leader Arlene Foster became it down. Ulster Unionist Birthday Party (UUP) leader Robin Swann additionally said he used to be double-booked that day, however unlike the DUP, he’s sending a representative, Robbie Butler, who is an assembly member for Lagan Valley.

    How so much is the seek advice from costing?

    An anticipated 35 million euros (£31m).

    Why is the Pope coming?

    This is not a proper state consult with. he is coming to wait the sector Meeting of Households, a global experience for Catholics held each three years.

    what number of newshounds are masking the papal consult with?

    a complete of 1,200 from 31 different international locations.

    What does this let us know?

    The Catholic Church now not enjoys where in society that it as soon as held in many international locations, particularly Ireland, however global fascination with the Pope continues to be.

    How does Ireland range to the Eire of 1979 through the remaining papal discuss with?

    In a phrase, quite. There has been a seismic shift on social issues. Politically, church and state have undergone a separation. Economically, Ireland has been remodeled seeing that 1979. Oh, and in Dublin pubs, a pint of Guinness is no longer 50p.

    Image copyright Pacemaker Image caption Pope John Paul II was once the remaining pontiff to visit Eire, in 1979

    Is Eire now a post-Catholic united states?

    The remaining census, performed in 2016, confirmed that more than 3 quarters of the inhabitants still describe themselves as Catholic. the velocity of attendance at non secular services also is still fairly top, compared to different Ecu nations with large Catholic populations.

    how many persons are expected on the papal occasions?

    it is predicted that there will probably be approximately EIGHTY,000 at Croke Park, 45,000 in Knock and 500,000 at Phoenix Park.

    How do you serve communion to part 1,000,000 folks?

    Round FOUR,000 servers will likely be deployed, every liable for groups of 1,000 people.

    What in regards to the climate this weekend?

    Blended. Pilgrims are urged to prepare for rain, particularly on Sunday.

    Will a selfie with the Pope be possible?

    The crowds are anticipated to get on the subject of him. However at the principle occasions, selfie sticks had been banned for safety reasons.

    Papal consult with to eire: Itinerary highlights

    Saturday 25 August

    08:15 – Departure through aircraft from Rome for Dublin 10:30 – Arrival at Dublin Airport for reliable welcome 10:45 – Switch to Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish president’s residence) ELEVEN:15 – Welcome ceremony with President Michael D Higgins 12:10 – Arrival at Dublin Fort for assembly with authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps 15:30 – Seek Advice From to St Mary’s Professional Cathedral SIXTEEN:30 – Non-Public seek advice from to the Capuchin Day Centre, a centre for homeless people 19:FORTY FIVE – Preside at the Festival of Households at Croke Park stadium

    Sunday 26 August

    08:FORTY – Departure via plane for Knock 09:45 – Arrival at Knock Shrine for discuss with to the Apparition Chapel and recitation of the Angelus ELEVEN:15 – Departure through plane for Dublin 12:30 – Lunch with the Papal Delegation 15:00 – Remaining Papal Mass of the world Assembly of Households in Phoenix Park followed by way of a gathering with the Irish bishops 18:30 – Farewell rite at Dublin Airport 18:FORTY FIVE – Departure via plane for Rome 23:00 – Arrival in Rome

    Apply the entire events on BBC News

    You can observe minute-through-minute updates on the Pope’s seek advice from here at the BBC News website.

    There will likely be Newsline special programmes on BBC2 from 12.00-13:00 and 19:20-21:05 on Saturday and from 22:30-23:00 on Sunday.

    On Radio Ulster, William Crawley will likely be providing special programmes from Dublin Fortress from 12:00-13:30 on Friday and from 11:30-THIRTEEN:00 on Saturday.

    Sunday Series (08:30-10:15) and The Sunday News (THIRTEEN:00-14:00) can even be broadcasting from Phoenix Park.

  • Pope’s Eire discuss with: John Pauls give some thought to their name

    John Paul II arriving in Ireland in 1979 Image copyright Getty Images Symbol caption An predicted half the population of the island of ireland became out to peer John Paul II on his consult with to eire in 1979

    Rewind to ireland 1979.

    When Pope John Paul II’s plane touched down at Dublin airport, the crowds waved yellow and white papal flags; held up babies; pushed forward wheelchairs; cheered.

    The figure of John Paul II emerged from the plane, moved down the steps and, cloak whipping in the wind, knelt to kiss Irish soil.

    It was once an ancient moment. Almost a third of the population turned as much as cheer him at Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

    Across The united states, in the weeks and year that adopted, midwives and docs in Irish maternity hospitals held up newborns, introduced: “it’s a boy” and one in ten mothers opted for “John Paul”.

    Image copyright John Paul Feeley Image caption John Paul Feeley is proud to be a Catholic

    John-Paul Feeley is a solicitor, a councillor for Cavan County Council, a member of Fianna Fáil and Shannon Gaels GAA, a Cavan supporter… and a proud Catholic.

    “i used to be born in 1981 and i used to be a 7th son,” he says.

    “i used to be named after the Pope and that i wasn’t on my own. there have been John Pauls in my college and there have been also Karols – after the Pope’s Polish Christian identify.

    “The Arena has modified given that 1979. we are no different in Ireland – it is simply that we expect we’re extraordinarily different.

    “I Will see the Pope. i hope to wait the arena Meeting of Households on both Saturday and Sunday. As for being a Catholic – that is is one in every of the organisations of which I’m happy to mention I’m a member.

    “i go to Mass. Shock! Horror! Disbelief!

    Pope in Eire: Different stories you may like

    Loaves to bogs: Pope Francis’ seek advice from in numbers ‘Lollipopes’ and bunting: The Papal products flying off the cabinets at the bus: Remembering John Paul II’s 1979 seek advice from Irish Church in graphs – a flock with out shepherds?

    “considered one of the underlying ideas being positioned available in the market is that Eire has changed so much and there may be nobody going to see the Pope.

    “In society, when you’re a practicing Catholic, you might be regarded down on by people who assume they’re your betters.

    “take heed to radio and the speculation that any one might training faith is scoffed at, it’s a kind of operating joke.

    “i don’t regard myself as a Holy Joe or religious, however there is a lot of individuals who don’t instruction as a result of they believe that is the thing to do.

    “It takes no courage or conviction to mention they do not go to Mass. Monkey see; monkey do.

    “All I’d like to pay attention is if folks wish to pass, then they pass and if they don’t, they don’t.

    The atheist

    Symbol caption “i would not be militant approximately it, but i have no time for the Church,” says John-Paul Whearty

    John-Paul Whearty is a stand-up comedian and creator of the satirical Loyalists Towards Democracy (LAD) crew.

    “i was named after Pope John Paul II,” he says.

    “i used to be going to be referred to as one thing else. however my mum ended up going into labour just on the time the Pope used to be flying out of ireland in his aeroplane, so that is how I were given the name.

    “i’ve an image of John Paul II up in my kitchen, but I Am an atheist.

    “While i was a child, I used to inform folks i was called after John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin as a substitute.

    “The title used to embarrass me whilst i used to be more youthful, however now that i’m older, I own it.

    “As for Catholicism, I Would haven’t any pastime in it at all.

    Image caption John-Paul Whearty used to inform his pals he was once named after John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin – because it appeared cooler than being named after a pope

    “My mum is going to Mass every day. She is going up and opens the church within the morning and closes it within the evening, but she’s very much a follower of Jesus in preference to the Church.

    “I’m absolutely happy with my identify. There are lots of John Pauls… John Paul Jones, John Paul Getty and it is a name that comes from the Pope, so it resonates.

    “i know two different John Pauls among my close friends and since we had been all born around 1979-EIGHTY, I bump into John Pauls the entire time.

    The closing Pope’s discuss with was once such a momentous occasion for Irish society. The babies had been born, we were given education, then got here the growth and the money – that’s development.”

    The church florist

    Symbol copyright John Paul Image caption John Paul Deehan likes Pope Francis’ means

    John Paul Deehan is an award-winning dressmaker and florist based totally in his native Derry. His first fee was once doing the flowers for his cousin’s wedding when he was simply 10 years antique. He just lately became FORTY.

    “I’m John Paul however I wasn’t named after for the ultimate Pope,” he says.

    “i was born in June 1978 and my folks could not make a choice from John and Paul.

    “They had been toying among the names. So, they positioned the two names together. My nice grandmother mentioned she didn’t find it irresistible. Then John Paul i used to be made pope and he or she said: ‘You cannot change it.’

    “i’ll were something else until the Pope got here alongside and my nice granny placed her foot down.

    “As a florist, I Am in churches and chapels virtually each day of the week, but I Am infrequently at Mass.

    “i am going now and once more however i have no plans to move and see Pope Francis.

    “Still, his discuss with can best be for the better. He has a very modern way. he’s going to draw in youth to the Church.

    “And it kind of feels that so much of the younger era need to embody faith.

    “My nieces and nephews would have an enchantment to move. they’d look to visit Mass. People of my age would possibly say: ‘Maybe next week.’

    “However they move of their own accord, there may be an actual swing back to the church.

    “What I Really Like about Pope Francis is his very up to date means. He comprises everyone and that’s essential.”

    The ‘grocery store Catholic’

    Image copyright JP Coyle Image caption John-Paul Coyle is trade supervisor for Lissan Area

    John-Paul Coyle is business manager with Lissan Area, Cookstown. His mom integrated the hyphen while he was born so he could be called the whole title.

    “i was born on 21 October 1980, so I went to university with a couple of John Pauls besides as Joannes and Paulas,” he says.

    “I used to hate my identify while i was more youthful. It felt like a political thing. there was a component of sectarianism.

    “My mom mentioned she was once putting the hyphen in my name as it used to be John-Paul however there were people who would select just to call me John or Paul – it took me a while to get my head around that.

    “As for Catholicism, when you recall to mind the entire cover-up of paedophilia inside the Church – John Paul knew, so why did he do nothing?

    “there were pompous, boastful males who were involved. But I Think sorry for the priests who’ve performed nothing fallacious but really feel they’re accountable by default. It have to be very lonely and tough for them.

    “I Would nonetheless regard myself as a Catholic however i wouldn’t believe the entire laws. I’m a grocery store Catholic, I Love the bits I Really Like.

    “i actually like Pope Francis. i think he is what the Church needs. He may well be extra of a reformer however you can’t be expecting radical adjustments in a 2,000-yr-antique establishment.

    “Francis instils that experience of humility that has been missing for thus long. He has banished that stage of extravagance.

    “If i could have gotten a ticket, I more than likely could have long past to look him.

    Papal visit to ireland: Itinerary highlights

    Saturday 25 August

    08:15 – Departure by means of plane from Rome for Dublin 10:30 – Arrival at Dublin Airport for respectable welcome 10:45 – Switch to Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish president’s residence) 11:15 – Welcome rite with President Michael D. Higgins 12:10 – Arrival at Dublin Citadel for assembly with authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps 15:30 – Seek Advice From to St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral SIXTEEN:30 – Personal visit to the Capuchin Day Centre, a centre for homeless folks 19:FORTY FIVE – Preside at the Festival of Families at Croke Park stadium

    Sunday, 26 August

    08:40 – Departure by aircraft for Knock 09:45 – Arrival at Knock Shrine for consult with to the Apparition Chapel and recitation of the Angelus 11:15 – Departure through aircraft for Dublin 12:30 – Lunch with the Papal Delegation 15:00 – Closing Papal Mass of the arena Assembly of Households in Phoenix Park followed via a meeting with the Irish bishops 18:30 – Farewell rite at Dublin Airport 18:FORTY FIVE – Departure via airplane for Rome 23:00 – Arrival in Rome

  • Prince Charles in Coleraine as a part of NI visit

    Prince Charles arriving at Ulster University. Image caption Prince Charles arriving at Ulster School in Coleraine to begin fiftieth anniversary celebrations.

    The Prince of Wales has visited the Ulster College campus in Coleraine as a part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

    Prince Charles’s seek advice from is the primary experience celebrating the university’s basis, which took place in 1968.

    Brenda Chivers, mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and Manchester United legend, Harry Gregg, had been only a few of these in attendance of the royal talk over with.

    His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast in advance on Tuesday.

    Symbol copyright Getty Pictures

    College staff, council members and the Ulster School choir welcomed the Prince as he arrived at the campus.

    Prince meets United legend

    via Keiron Tourish, BBC Information NI north-west correspondent

    Prince Charles seek advice from to the Ulster University’s Coleraine campus marked the primary experience within the school’s fiftieth anniversary year.

    He was given a heat welcome by way of smartly wishers after he arrived by means of helicopter and chatted to them in short before the formal begin to his seek advice from.

    Symbol caption Former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg mentioned he used to be happy the Prince visited Coleraine

    The Prince met a vast vary of people and heard concerning the historical past of the university, which has a campus in 4 different spaces of Northern Ireland.

    He was once additionally given an summary of the university’s long run plans, and current traits, similar to a brand new sports complex. The Prince spoke to young people accomplishing a various range of sports activities from football to judo and spoke with Manchester United legend Harry Gregg.

    Mr Gregg said the prince was very familiar with his foundation, which is based at the campus, and he praised the Prince for coming to Coleraine.

    The prince additionally heard approximately Northern Eire’s first Endeavor Zone involving the campus and the local Council.

    The seek advice from to the university was concluded with the Prince planting a tree to commemorate his attendance on the celebrations.

    His first accountability was once an adventure at Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church within the north of the city.

    Prince enjoys live performance in north Belfast

    by means of Will Leitch, BBC News NI

    The former Methodist church in north Belfast is now filled with neighborhood representatives, faith groups and native entrepreneurs.

    Prince Charles has been playing a short lived live performance by means of the Ulster Orchestra together with a few opera and songs from the good Ulster songbook.

    Symbol copyright Brian Lawless/PA Image caption The Prince of Wales shakes arms with Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly

    He has also been presented with a few craft beer and raw milk cheese from County Down cows.

    Read more: Defiant spire points against vibrant long run

    on the middle of 1 of the most troubled portions of Belfast, the congregation shrank rapidly throughout the overdue sixties and 1970s.

    Image copyright Brian Lawless/PA Image caption Prince Charles and Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Belfast Buildings Agree With, arrive at Carlisle Memorial Church

    It closed in 1982 but has been introduced again into use by the Belfast Buildings Trust.

    During his discuss with, Prince Charles met native MLAs William Humphrey of the DUP and Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly and Carál Ni Chuilin.