By Gina Christian Women must be able to "exercise their leadership" and become "artisans of peace and guardians of life," as the global community fractures and conflicts increase, the Vatican has told the United Nations. The Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the UN shared its thoughts in a statement on 2 September during the global body's High-Level Forum on implementing the Progr...

The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters to renowned Yawuru Elder, leader and educator Dr Patrick Dodson, in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for Aboriginal people and profound contribution to reconciliation, justice and education. Widely known as the Father of Australian Reconciliation, Dr Dodson has dedicated his life to advancing justice an...

Social cohesion grows when individuals allow their attitudes and actions to be shaped by love and humility, "Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division" suggests. Living the Gospel in these times is not a private devotion. It is a public witness that human dignity is not negotiable, that truth matters and that peace is more than the absence of conflict - it is the fruit of justice, recon...

A celebration of the life and legacy of Sr Irene McCormack was held on Saturday 16 May at St Joseph’s Convent, South Perth, on the 35th anniversary of her death in 1991 when she was shot by Shining Path terrorists in Huasahuasi, Peru. The day also marked the 160th anniversary of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1886 by Mary MacKillop (now Saint Mary of the Cross – Au...

By Courtney Mares Pope Leo XIV told inmates at a correctional facility in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, on 22 April that "no one is excluded from God's love" and "God never grows tired of forgiving." "Each of us, with our unique stories, mistakes and sufferings, remains precious in the Lord's eyes," he said to the incarcerated men and women gathered. "We can say this with certainty, because J...

As Project Compassion 2026 draws to a close, Caritas Australia has extended heartfelt thanks to communities across the country for once again uniting against poverty, with schools, parishes and supporters taking up this year’s powerful call to justice, solidarity, and hope.  Inspired by the theme Unite Against Poverty, Project Compassion 2026 drew on a poignant moment from John’s Gospe...

By Carol Glatz Appealing to those in power to end all conflicts through dialogue and not domination, Pope Leo XIV urged humanity to stop growing accustomed to wars and violence and announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11. "We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil!" he said during the Easter Mass on 5 April, before giving his Easter blessing urbi...

The University of Notre Dame Australia has launched its new Centre for Technology and Human Futures, an important initiative dedicated to exploring human‑centred approaches to AI, emerging technologies and the futures we create.  Launched in partnership with the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame (USA), the Centre will be led by Asso...

By Lisa Martella Students, educators and Church leaders gathered at John XXIII College recently to mark the launch of Pope Francis: The Disruptive Pilgrim's Guide – an event as much about the future of the Church as the book being celebrated. Written by Frank Brennan SJ AO, the book offers a clear and accessible guide to Pope Francis' vision and its ongoing significance for the life and ...

On 13 October 2022, St Mary’s Cathedral hosted a multifaith service, alongside others held across Australia to raise awareness of climate change and to seek greater commitment from the Australian government to stop new fossil fuel developments.