The conclave to choose the next head of the Catholic Church has gotten underway, following Pope Francis’ passing in April. The world is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next pope. In light of this, we reached out to our readers to share their thoughts on the Catholic Church.
Bill Fox (66), a retired clinical psychologist from Co Sligo, proudly declares, “I’m real proud to be a Roman Catholic in Ireland today.” He has been a Minister of the Word for about 30 years and a Minister of the Eucharist for about 23 years. Bill attends Mass weekly and prays daily, emphasizing the importance of his religious faith in his later years.
Liam Bairéad (74), a retired secondary school teacher from Dublin, experienced a period of doubt in his 20s but has since found a strong connection to God. Raised in a devout Catholic household, Liam strayed from the Church but eventually returned to practicing his faith, particularly through Mass and the Eucharist.
Michael O’Flanagan (33) from Dublin praises Pope Francis for creating a more inclusive and welcoming church environment. He feels that the pope’s humility has brought the institutional church closer to God, drawing him closer to his faith in the process.
Anna McCabe (91) from Co Longford expresses her disillusionment with Catholic teachings, leading her to join Atheist Ireland and later the Humanist Association of Ireland. She believes that teaching religion to young children is a form of abuse and advocates for religious education to be conducted outside of school.
Mike Gogan (62), a copywriter from Dublin, distanced himself from the Catholic Church in 1986 and has never looked back. He is actively involved in reducing the church’s influence in the education system, a decision that his mother eventually came to understand.
Aidan from Dublin, who chose not to reveal his full identity, shares his frustration with the Church’s handling of abuse scandals and questions the integrity of religious leaders. Despite his loss of faith, he acknowledges the comfort that religion can bring to believers.
Seán Redmond (54) from south Dublin wishes for a more Christian-focused approach from the Catholic Church, criticizing the hierarchy’s disconnect from the needs of the community. He questions traditional practices such as the exclusion of women from priesthood and the stance on LGBTQ rights.
Paul (67), working in the education sector in Dublin, reflects on his wavering faith and the negative aspects of Catholicism that led him to distance himself from the Church. He highlights issues such as the wealth of the Vatican, misogyny, and the prevalence of abuse scandals.
Breid Carberry (68) from Co Donegal finds solace in her Catholic faith during challenging times, particularly when facing illness. She values the stability and comfort that her faith provides, describing it as an anchor in uncertain times.
Siobhán Cullen (61) from Kildare credits her religious upbringing for her enduring relationship with Catholicism. She acknowledges the Church’s shortcomings but finds comfort and joy in her faith, which has been a source of strength throughout her life.
Ursula (57) from Kildare, a devout Catholic, attends Mass daily and holds firm to her beliefs despite societal changes. She emphasizes the importance of free will and refrains from passing judgment on others, choosing to follow Jesus’ teachings.
The diverse perspectives shared by our readers highlight the complex relationship individuals have with the Catholic Church, showcasing a range of experiences, beliefs, and critiques. The discussion around faith, tradition, and reform within the Church continues to evolve as the search for the next pope unfolds.
