Statement of the Summer 2026 General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

10 Jun 2026

Link to the article on the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference website

Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered this week at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, for their Summer 2026 General Meeting.  The President of the Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin. 
 
On the first day of the conference, bishops concelebrated Mass in Saint Mary’s Oratory of Saint Patrick’s College.  Chief celebrant Archbishop Martin prayed for peace in the Holy Land; for a cessation to the Russian war in Ukraine, and for people suffering in conflict zones throughout the world.
 
Irish soldiers under the UNIFIL
Bishops acknowledged with deep gratitude the valiant and tireless service of Irish soldiers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission, even as the UNIFIL mandate in Lebanon draws to a close.  Bishops expressed concern that this mandate is being discontinued after this year; and deplored the ongoing humanitarian disaster forcing the death, injury and displacement of people in the region.  In solidarity with Pope Leo XVI’s ongoing call for peace, bishops implored all parties to lay down their arms and choose the path of justice and human dignity.
 
Young people and examinations
Conscious of the challenges facing young people sitting their examinations across Ireland at this time, bishops prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide and protect our them now and in the future.  
 
The main issues discussed during the Bishops’ Summer General Meeting included:

• Civil unrest in Belfast
• Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, on humanity in the AI era
• Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church
• ‘Day for Life’ 2026 message: The Wonder of the Child in the Womb
• Department of Education and Youth’s Primary Schools Survey
• Synodality: in Ireland and Universally
• New EU Envoy for FoRB outside the EU, and persecution of Christians in Nigeria
• Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union
• Trócaire: Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
• TheWay.ie, progress on new unified digital platform to share the Good News
• Supporting international priests ministering in Ireland
• Maynooth Union annual celebration of milestone anniversaries of ordination classes

See below details of these main issues: 

• Civil unrest in Belfast

Bishops expressed concern at the attack on human life and the wider violence and social disorder that has taken place in Belfast and in some other places across Northern Ireland over the last 48-hours.  Bishops prayed for peace and that the sacred dignity of each human person would be upheld by all.  Reports that the focus of these violent attacks was family homes and businesses of migrants, is all the more disconcerting.  The true measure of a just society is one which effectively welcomes newcomers, combats racism and rejects divisive political rhetoric.  Bishops call for support for the police and for community leaders across throughout the summer months.

• Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas on humanity in the AI era

Bishops prayed for the intentions of our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and welcomed his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, that he launched on 25 May 2026, noting the significant international analysis and endorsement that it has received, since its publication, from leaders in the global technology sector.
 
Reflecting on the Holy Father’s message, bishops discussed the opportunities, challenges and ethical implications presented by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies and emphasised the importance of ensuring that innovation remains at the service of humanity and the common good.  In particular, bishops noted the positive potential of AI in areas such as healthcare, education and accessibility, while also drawing attention to concerns surrounding misinformation, social isolation, the future of work, and the concentration of technological power.  They stressed that human judgement, conscience and responsibility must remain central in decisions that increasingly affect individuals, communities and society as a whole.
 
Recognising the importance of the encyclical to the Church’s overall mission, the Catholic Communications Office will host a conference this autumn to explore themes presented by Magnifica Humanitas in greater depth.  

• Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church

Mr Aidan Gordon, chief executive officer, and Dr Keith Holmes, chairperson, of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, informed bishops that a third round of ‘Independent Reviews of Child Safeguarding Practice’ will begin in the coming months.  The reviews will be based on the Church’s 2024 national safeguarding policy A Safe and Welcoming Church.  National Board staff have worked on a methodology for the reviews that will again involve external independent safeguarding experts, and which will examine all aspects of child safeguarding in dioceses and congregations.  The focus of the upcoming reviews will be on the culture of safeguarding in the Church body, and with an emphasis on leadership and accountability.

• ‘Day for Life’ 2026 message: The Wonder of the Child in the Womb

Each year the Bishops’ Conferences of Ireland, Scotland and England & Wales come together to mark a different theme to celebrate ‘Day for Life’, which this year falls on 21 June, Father’s Day.  At their meeting this week, bishops announced the theme for the joint 2026 Day for Life message as: The Wonder of the Child in the Womb – Reflecting on the humanity of the unborn and acknowledging, with compassion, the deep grief experienced by parents who lose a child before or shortly after birth. 
 
Bishops said, “Parenthood is a vocation of joys and hopes, of griefs and anxieties.  For this year’s Day for Life, on Sunday 21 June, we wish to acknowledge the particular grief of mothers and fathers who have lost a child before birth or in infancy.” 

Over the coming days, the Bishops’ Conference will publish Offering Hope in Crisis, a considered statement addressing abortion in Ireland.

• Department of Education and Youth’s Primary Schools Survey

Bishops considered the recently published results of the Department of Education and Youth’s Primary Schools Survey, and noted the continued significant support from parents for Catholic education.
 
Bishops said, “As Catholic patrons of schools, we fully respect and value the role of parents as the primary educators of their children and remain committed to assisting the State in its duty to provide for a plurality of choice of school types.  We wish to reiterate our support for Catholic schools while recognising the need for divestment where it is supported by local communities.”

• Synodality: in Ireland and Universally

A significant amount of time was devoted to prayerful reflection on the next steps of the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod.
 
Working Groups of the Irish Synodal Pathway
Bishops expressed appreciation for the time given by members of the seven Working Groups of the Irish Synodal Pathway to the drafting of practical and mission-focused proposals around the seven priority areas that have been discerned during the synodal listening process: Belonging, Co-responsibility and lay ministry, Faith formation and catechesis, Family, Healing, Women, and Young people.  Bishops intend to devote time to reflecting together, and also with their diocesan representatives, on the proposals in preparation for the National Synodal Assembly.
 
National Synodal Assembly on Saturday, 17 October 2026
Bishops received a report of the preparations for the National Synodal Assembly to be held at City North Hotel, Gormanston, Co Meath on Saturday 17 October next.  Bishops look forward to the publication of a working document that will contain the proposals of the Working Groups and expressed the hope that local faith communities, religious orders, and movements and associations of the lay faithful will engage with the document.  Bishops also welcome plans for participation in the Assembly.  Bishops ask that the preparations for the Assembly be accompanied by the prayer of the entire People of God.
 
Evaluation phases of the Universal Synod
Bishops noted the recent communication from the General Secretariat of the Synod outlining the evaluation phases of the Universal Synod at diocesan level in the first half of 2027 and at national level in the second half of 2027.  Bishops shared the many ways in which synodality is becoming embedded in the life, structures, and practices of the Church in Ireland, and recognised the important role of Synodal Teams in guiding the evaluation process next year.

• New EU Envoy for FoRB outside the EU, and persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Bishops welcomed the appointment, on 26 March last, of Co Louth-based former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness as the new EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) outside the European Union, thereby filling a vacancy that had existed for over a year. 
 
Bishops discussed with deep concern and sadness the continuing persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria.  Bishops said, “We reiterate our solidarity with persecuted Christians everywhere, especially in particular situations, such as Nigeria, where they endure profound suffering, discrimination and violence.  We express the need for greater awareness of this plight of persecuted Christians across the world and commend the work of those bodies and organisations, such as Aid to the Church in Need, that continue to be a beacon of hope for the people and their adherence to the faith.  Attacks on people because of their faith call on us to, not just pray for the persecuted people in such situations, but to call on government and international bodies to shine a light on this issue as one of global urgency and importance.”

• Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Bishops discussed Ireland’s forthcoming six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union, succeeding Cyprus from 1 July. 
 
Bishops said, “Ireland’s presidency coincides with a critical point for EU development cooperation, with so much pressure at present to re-orient EU external spending towards short-term geo-political priorities.  Our desire is that the common good be fully served and that efforts to alleviate poverty and provide aid to development in the Global South should be prioritised, especially regarding climate change as this is a major contributor to poverty in that region of the world.
 
“The Presidency provides Ireland with a special opportunity to shine a light on the core principles and values, rooted in the Christian tradition, which have underpinned the European Union from its foundation, namely, human dignity, solidarity, justice, peace and prosperity shared by all people.  Our hope is that, based on these principles, this period will result in decisions and actions that meet the economic, geo-political, ecological and humanitarian challenges facing the continent and wider world today.  We are concerned that any dilution of these core values, especially in respect of poverty eradication and human development generally would be detrimental and run contrary to Ireland’s commitment to overseas aid and development, multilateralism and solidarity.”

Drawing attention to the ‘Europe be Faithful for Our Common Home’ campaign, led by the Laudato Si’ Movement and endorsed by Trócaire, Laudato Si’ Working Group, the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, Christian Aid, and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Ireland – and that asks the EU to remain steadfast in its founding values of human dignity and the common good by accelerating a just energy transition – bishops said that the upcoming EU Presidency is also an opportunity for Ireland to foster a coherent approach to protecting our common home and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

• Trócaire: Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

Bishops received a report from the Church’s overseas development agency, Trócaire, and discussed Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.  The Ituri Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Trócaire operates, is at the centre of the latest outbreak of Ebola.  The outbreak is in an area already experiencing a deep and complex humanitarian emergency, where clashes between rival militia groups have killed scores of civilians in recent weeks.  The violence has worsened ⁠an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving health facilities overwhelmed or non-functional in parts of the province.  DRC’s health system is amongst the most fragile in the world and has been devastated by the cuts to USAID in the last two years.  Lack of adequate water, sanitation and hygiene conditions in both camps of displaced peoples and local communities, adds to the risks people face as the outbreak spreads.
 
This specific Ebola strain (the Bundibugyo strain) does not have a vaccine or even approved treatment methods so prevention work by communities is vital.  Trócaire has mobilised with partners to slow the spread of Ebola by introducing hand-washing stations, translating vital information into local languages, training leaders on accurate health messaging and providing hygiene materials.  The Trócaire programme is also providing psychosocial support and food assistance to families in need.
 
Short video on Ebola already completed and published on The Way’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3FdKyTCRdg

• TheWay.ie, progress on new unified digital platform to share the Good News

Bishops welcomed the continued progress of TheWay.ie as a trusted and unified digital platform of the Church dedicated to sharing the Good News and offering witness, and to help people to discover, live and pass on the faith.  The focus of The Way remains on communicating the good work of the Church, from parish level up, and across the output of the agencies of the Irish Bishops’ Conference.
 
Bishops said, “Parishioners are encouraged to engage with TheWay.ie by sharing and using its content across websites, parish newsletters, and social media channels.  The platform continues to demonstrate strong levels of engagement, with more than 21,000 website visitors over the past 90 days and a growing audience across social media platforms.  The recent launch of a WhatsApp channel, together with ongoing investment in video and multimedia production through regular studio recording, reflects The Way’s commitment to expanding its reach and connecting with audiences in new and engaging ways.  Everyone is invited to explore TheWay.ie, subscribe to the Sharing Good News weekly ezine, as well as follow, like, and subscribe across our social media platforms.”

• Supporting international priests ministering in Ireland

Bishops discussed the ministry of priests who have trained abroad and who have moved to live in Ireland in order to minister.  In particular, bishops discussed how they might support the wellbeing of our international priests with different initiatives.
 
Bishops said, “International priests are not simply ‘filling gaps’ in the Church in Ireland.  They are co-builders of the Church’s present and future.  Today, every diocese on the island of Ireland benefits from the ministry of international clergy.  In many rural parishes especially, their presence has become indispensable, ensuring that parish communities continue to receive pastoral care, sacramental ministry, and spiritual leadership.  The contribution of international priests is visible, significant, and deeply appreciated.  Irish priests, particularly those serving in larger parishes, frequently express gratitude for the support international clergy provide.  Their ministry enriches parish life and strengthens the mission of the Church throughout the country.  At the same time, many international priests face challenges that deserve our attention.  They leave behind their families, cultures, and familiar support systems to serve the Church in Ireland.”

• Maynooth Union annual celebration of milestone anniversaries of ordination classes

Bishops offered prayers of thanksgiving for all clergy, and especially for those attending this week at the annual Maynooth Union gathering in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  The Union offers an opportunity for priests to mark significant anniversaries of their ordination (year): silver (2001), golden (1976) and diamond (1966) jubilees, to celebrate together and to enjoy memories of college days and discuss current issues.  Mass for jubilarians was celebrated in the historic College Chapel, and the homilist was Father Derek Darby of Meath.  Special acknowledgement was given to priests in attendance who were celebrating seventy years of their ordination: twins, Father Joe Kelly of the Archdiocese of Dublin and his brother Father Matt Kelly of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, as well as Father Martin Madigan of the Diocese of Limerick.
 
The Union’s guest speaker this year was Professor Tobias Winright, Professor of Moral Theology at the Pontifical University; Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke to the gathering after dinner in Pugin Hall along with Rev Dr Michael Shorthall of Dublin, and Rev Dr Tómas Surlis of Achonry, President and Rector respectively of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  The main address was delivered by Rev Dr Eugene Duffy of Achonry, President of the Maynooth Union.
 
ENDS