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The Pope has praised the beatification of six monks martyred in 1799, while trying to protect the Eucharist from desecration. The Cistercian monks were beatified on Saturday, in the Italian abbey where they were martyred. Pope Francis prayed the monks might encourage today’s Catholics to a greater commitment to God.
Ireland’s leading archbishop has decried the Irish government’s new regulations on public worship. The regulations were approved by Ireland’s health minister last week. They forbid large indoor gatherings, due to the coronavirus pandemic. There are narrow exemptions for priests celebrating Mass via live stream, as well as wedding receptions and funerals. Ireland’s government has suspended public worship since last October, due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is among the longest restrictions in Europe. The Irish government has suggested it will begin to relax restrictions in May, as vaccinations become more widely available. Public Masses resumed in Northern Ireland on Good Friday.
The Society of Catholic Scientists will discuss non-human intelligence at its annual conference this June. Topics will include extraterrestrial and artificial intelligences. Speakers include experts in astrophysics, astrochemistry, evolutionary biology, and Catholic theology. The conference will take place June 4-6 in Washington D.C. The event will also be live-streamed.