Catholic parishes ‘can help’ refugees

An appeal to Catholic parishes to take in refugees could see several thousand families from Syria and other conflict countries rehomed across the country.

The appeal, sparked by simultaneous calls from Pope Francis and the Bishop of Elphin, is to be discussed by the Irish Bishops Conference at the end of this month.

Pope Francis on Sunday called on all Catholic parishes and religious communities in Europe to take in one refugee family each and said the Vatican would lead by example by itself offering accommodation.