Bishop opposed to suicide as grounds for a termination

TWO Catholic bishops have intervened in the abortion debate with one stressing that he is opposed to abortion being available to a suicidal pregnant woman.

The Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, said he is opposed to abortion in circumstances where the woman was suicidal.

In an interview with the Limerick Leader prior to the publication of the proposed legislation, Bishop Leahy said: "Legislation perhaps is needed to clarify some of the guidelines (for doctors) ... If that is the case and legislation helps that process, then that is positive. But the one thing we have to watch is that we don't end up legislating directly for abortion."

Bishop Leahy accepted there were "sincerely held convictions" on the opposite side of the debate but the church was entitled to express its view that abortion was wrong.

Meanwhile the new bishop-elect of Kerry has appealed to people to attend a prayer vigil in Knock this weekend.

It is entitled "Choose life, mother and baby, we cherish them both", which is billed as a national day of prayer for mothers and their unborn babies.

Bishop-elect, Fr Raymond A Browne (56) refused to be drawn further into the abortion debate and the legislation going through the Oireachtas.

However, in his address following the announcement of his appointment, he said there were many difficult situations facing the Irish people but just one that he would mention.

Decisive

"'Life in its fullness' points to the fundamental right to life of every human being from the moment of conception in our mother's womb to the moment of our natural death," he said.

"We are all aware that the weeks ahead will be a decisive moment for Ireland in this regard."

Fr Browne's appointment by Pope Francis was announced yesterday to the surprise of parishioners, following morning Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney.

Currently parish priest of Kilgefin in Co Roscommon, a date has yet to be set for his consecration as bishop, though this will have to happen in the next three months. His appointment paves the way for Bishop Bill Murphy to finally retire.

The 76-year-old offered his resignation to Pope Benedict almost two years ago.

Bishop Bill Murphy said it was a happy day for him for two reasons.

"I'm delighted with the appointment of Fr Ray. He's a great priest but I'm also looking forward to retiring," he said.

The bishop-elect said he was humbled by his appointment but also wished to say thanks to all in his own diocese of Elphin.

"They have been my whole life and they have been very good to me," he said.

He revealed he had only been told of his appointment by the papal nuncio, Dr Charles Browne, in the past nine days.