Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick told Massgoers on May 26 that the result "is deeply regrettable and chilling for those of us who voted 'no.'"

"The church is for life and her concern is that nothing be against life," no matter the stage of development or how weak or defenseless that life is, Pope Francis said.

With the vote decided, attention is turning to Ireland's parliament, which will make new laws to govern abortions.

Catholic health care providers say when those places lack the resources to cope, climate change and mosquito-borne illnesses become issues of social justice.

The news from Ireland and the United States reminds us of Herod, of Pharaoh. What culture betrays its children?

The repeal of Ireland's Eighth Amendment, which guarantees the right to life of the unborn, has passed with a nearly 2-1 margin.