Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland, says some Catholic teaching 'needs to be updated'. Photograph: Dara Mac DónaillSome Catholic Church teaching “is rancid, has gone off and needs to be updated”, former president Mary McAleese has said. Last month a report from a Vatican commission reiterated its ban on women deacons in the church. Pope Leo was “no champion of women, unfortunately, and that’s tragic”, said Ms McAleese. [ Abuse survivor David Ryan to put ‘tough questions’ to Pope Leo XIV during private audienceOpens in new window ]Pope Leo XIV.

Source: The Irish Times January 31, 2026 10:30 UTC