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Eamon Columba Martin KC*HS (born 30 October 1961) is an Irish Catholic prelate from Northern Ireland who has served as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland since 2014.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Martin was born in Pennyburn, Derry, on 30 October 1961, one of twelve children to John James Martin and his wife Catherine (née Crossan).[1] He attended primary school at St Patrick's Primary School, Pennyburn, and secondary school at St Columb's College.[2]

Martin studied for the priesthood at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematical science and a Bachelor of Divinity. During his time in Maynooth, Martin was a senior cantor and leading member of the seminary choir, serving as Acting Director of Sacred Music in his final year.[1][3]

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Derry on 28 June 1987.[1]

Presbyteral ministry

[edit]

Following ordination, Martin's first pastoral appointment was as assistant priest in the cathedral parish in Derry between 1987 and 1989. Between September 1990 and September 1998, he taught mathematics and religion at St Columb's College, being appointed head of religious education in September 1997.[1]

Martin completed a Master of Philosophy in school development at St Edmunds College, Cambridge, between 1998 and 1999. Upon his return to the Diocese of Derry, he was appointed president of St Columb's College in May 2000. Martin has also completed a postgraduate certificate in education from Queen's University Belfast and a National Professional Qualification for Headship from the UCL Institute of Education.[1]

He was subsequently appointed executive secretary to the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in June 2008, before returning to the Diocese of Derry two years later upon his appointment as vicar general.[1]

Martin was appointed Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope Benedict XVI on 18 November 2010.[4]

He was also a regular contributor to Thought for the Day and Prayer for the Day on BBC Radio 4, and celebrant and preacher on Sunday Morning Worship on BBC Radio Ulster, as well as on other programmes on RTÉ and the BBC World Service.[1]

Diocesan Administrator of Derry

[edit]

Following the resignation of Séamus Hegarty as Bishop of Derry on 23 November 2011, Martin was elected diocesan administrator on 25 November.[5]

In 2012, he published plans to radically reform Catholic post-primary education in the diocese, with an aim to end academic selection and single-sex education, as well as to create two new sixth-form colleges in Derry.[4]

Episcopal ministry

[edit]
Styles of
Eamon Martin
Reference styleThe Most Reverend
Spoken styleYour Grace
Religious styleArchbishop

Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh

[edit]

Martin was appointed as coadjutor archbishop of Armagh by Pope Benedict XVI on 18 January 2013.[6][7] He spoke of his shock upon learning of the appointment, saying:

I am very conscious of the great trust that the Holy Father has placed in me, but in truth, I have to admit it was with considerable nervousness and trepidation that I accepted his call.[8]

The Bishop Emeritus of Derry, Edward Daly, said that Martin was seen as "a clean pair of hands" after the sexual abuse scandals, adding that the new coadjutor archbishop "[did] not carry any baggage from the past with him".[7]

Martin was consecrated by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, Seán Brady, on 21 April in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh.[9]

Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland

[edit]

In accordance with canon law, Brady tendered his resignation in July 2014, ahead of his 75th birthday on 15 August.[10] It was announced on 8 September that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation and that Martin would succeed him to the see and primacy of Ireland with immediate effect.[11]

It was reported in The Irish Times that Martin was a relative "unknown" in Rome, with zero visibility in the Vatican.[12]

Martin is an honorary fellow of St Edmunds College, Cambridge.[13]

In his capacity as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, he was elected President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference that October.[3]

Apostolic Administrator of Dromore

[edit]

Following the resignation of John McAreavey as Bishop of Dromore on 26 March 2018 and subsequent retirement of Philip Boyce as apostolic administration, Martin was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Dromore by Pope Francis on 15 April 2019.[14][15]

Views

[edit]

Abortion

[edit]

In a 2013 interview, Martin said that legislators who clearly and publicly supports abortion should not seek to receive Communion as legislators who support abortion are excommunicating themselves.[16]

Child abuse

[edit]

Upon his appointment as coadjutor archbishop of Armagh in 2013, Martin addressed the sexual abuse scandals that came to light in Ireland over the last two decades, stating that "[one] of the greatest challenges facing our Church is to acknowledge, live with, and learn from the past, including the terrible trauma caused by abuse". He added that the church "can never take it for granted that the safeguarding systems we have in place are robust and fail-safe, so we have to keep working on that".[17][18]

Martin is also a director of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church.[18]

Same-sex marriage

[edit]

Following the passing of a referendum permitting same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland on 22 May 2015, Martin has said that the Catholic Church felt a sense of "bereavement", with Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, calling the result a "defeat for humanity".[19][20]

Martin referred to Parolin's comments as an expression of the deeply held conviction about the meaning of marriage in the Catholic Church:

One of the difficulties of the debate was that we had two parallel discussions going on. One was about the meaning of marriage and the other was about respecting gay people and showing tolerance," he said. "I think what Cardinal Parolin was expressing was our deeply held conviction about the meaning of marriage. He said three things. He said, look, I'm saddened by the result which I think a lot of people in this country are also. He said this isn't just a defeat for Christian principles, it's a defeat for humanity. I think what he was trying to do was express the loss that has occurred here and we do feel it's a loss. Something very unique and precious has been lost. That's not in any way to say that there are not a lot of people who were very happy with the result, and we could see that on the night of the result.[21]

United Ireland

[edit]

In 2016, Martin expressed his support for a United Ireland, saying:

I do believe that Ireland should be one and I would like to work for that, and continue to work for that, by peaceful means and by persuasion, recognising that there are many people on this island who do not want that. To the extent I think the border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland has become increasingly less important, I would like to see that trend continuing.[22]

COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]

Speaking to the News at One on RTÉ Radio 1 on 29 October 2020, Martin criticised the imposition of a ban on all public worship in the Republic of Ireland with the introduction of Level 3 restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that such a ban had been imposed without any meaningful consultation with religious leaders across the island. He went to state that he was not aware of any evidence that church buildings had been a source of contagion or of spreading the disease.[23]


References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eamon Martin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eamon Columba Martin (born 30 October 1961) is an Irish Roman Catholic prelate who has served as and of All Ireland since 2013. Born in Derry, , to a family of twelve children, Martin was ordained a for the Diocese of Derry on 28 June 1987 after studying at St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh on 18 January 2013, he succeeded Cardinal Seán Brady as on 26 November 2013, thereby assuming the primatial role overseeing the across both and the . In addition to his archdiocesan duties, Martin serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore and has held positions such as President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference and Chairman of its Council for Communications. Known for his pastoral emphasis on family, faith, and amid Ireland's historical divisions, he has publicly advocated for discussions on Irish reunification while critiquing state encroachments on church social roles.

Early life and education

Upbringing, family, and vocational formation

Eamon Columba Martin was born on 30 October 1961 in the Pennyburn area of Derry, Northern Ireland, the eighth of twelve children—six boys and six girls—born to John James Martin and Catherine (née Crossan), both natives of Inishowen in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. His parents maintained strong ties to their Donegal roots, and the family resided in a modest home in Derry amid the escalating violence of the Troubles, which began in the late 1960s; Martin later recalled his early memories consisting primarily of siblings discussing civil rights marches and emerging unrest, though his own involvement was limited due to focus on studies and church activities. Raised in a devout Catholic household, Martin's early education took place at St. Patrick's Primary School in Derry, followed by secondary studies at , a prominent all-boys known for its academic rigor and alumni including several clergy. The family's large size and the era's socioeconomic challenges shaped a environment emphasizing discipline, faith, and community, with Martin describing his upbringing as one where church attendance and family responsibilities predominated over external conflicts. Martin's vocational discernment toward the priesthood emerged during his secondary years, culminating in a pivotal conversation with his mother about pursuing , after which he entered St. Patrick's College, , for priestly formation in the early 1980s. There, he pursued dual degrees—a BSc (Hons) in from the , , and a BD (Hons) in Theology from the at St. Patrick's—while actively participating in the seminary's liturgical life as a senior cantor and choir member, eventually serving as Acting Director of Sacred Music in his final year. This period of intellectual and spiritual preparation aligned with the Diocese of Derry's traditional pathway for vocations, emphasizing theological depth alongside practical pastoral skills, leading to his as a on 28 June 1987 at age 25.

Priestly ministry

Ordination and diocesan service in Derry

Martin was to the priesthood on 28 June 1987 at Saint Eugene's Cathedral in Derry by Bishop Edward Daly of the Diocese of Derry. Following his ordination, Martin served as assistant priest () in the Templemore Parish of Derry City, with responsibilities at St Eugene's Cathedral, from 1987 until September 1990. In September 1990, he joined the faculty of in Derry, his , as a teacher of and , later becoming head of the department. In May 2000, he was appointed president of , a position he held until 2008. After departing in 2008 to serve as executive secretary to the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference—a national role—he returned to the Diocese of Derry as , while continuing involvement in the diocesan tribunal and college of consultors. This administrative service in Derry preceded his election as diocesan administrator in 2011.

Diocesan Administrator of Derry

Following the retirement of Séamus Hegarty as of Derry on 23 November 2011, due to health grounds, the diocesan college of consultors convened and elected Eamon Martin as diocesan administrator on 25 November 2011. In this interim position, Martin, who had previously served as of the Derry since 2008, assumed responsibility for governing the , including oversight of pastoral initiatives, administrative operations, and preparation for the appointment of a successor . Martin's tenure as administrator lasted approximately 14 months, during which he maintained continuity in diocesan leadership amid the vacancy. The role involved duties such as convening the consultors for key decisions and ensuring the diocese's adherence to norms in the absence of an ordinary . No major structural changes or public controversies were reported during this period, reflecting the caretaker nature of the position. On 18 January 2013, appointed Martin as coadjutor with right of succession, concluding his service as Derry's administrator and marking his transition to national prominence within the Irish Catholic hierarchy. This elevation underscored his prior administrative experience in Derry as a factor in his selection for higher office.

Episcopal ministry

Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh

On 18 January 2013, appointed Monsignor Eamon Martin, then Diocesan Administrator of Derry, as with the right of succession to assist the aging Cardinal Seán Brady, of . The appointment occurred amid ongoing challenges facing the Irish Catholic Church, including the legacy of clerical scandals. In a statement delivered at St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, Martin expressed a commitment to church renewal, engaging younger generations, fostering reconciliation, and addressing material and spiritual poverty. He emphasized healing from past abuses and prioritizing child safeguarding, drawing on his prior service on Ireland's National Board for Safeguarding Children in the . Martin relocated to in April 2013 in preparation for his episcopal role. He received episcopal ordination as Coadjutor on 21 April 2013 at St Patrick's Cathedral, , during a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Brady. In his , he called on the faithful to renew the church through active witness to Christ in contemporary mission territories. As coadjutor, Martin supported Brady in archdiocesan administration and pastoral initiatives, including the December 2013 launch of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the (NBSCCCI) audit report for the Archdiocese of , which examined compliance with safeguarding standards. This period underscored his focus on accountability and protection measures amid scrutiny over historical abuse cases.

Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

Eamon Martin was appointed Coadjutor on 18 January 2013 by , with the right of succession, to assist the aging Cardinal Seán Brady. He was ordained as coadjutor on 21 April 2013 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in . Upon Brady's retirement, Martin succeeded as and Primate of All Ireland on 8 September 2014, with his installation Mass celebrated on 7 October 2014. As , Martin serves as the metropolitan of the ecclesiastical Province of Armagh, overseeing suffragan dioceses including those in and the , such as Derry, Down and Connor, and others spanning both jurisdictions. The title of of All Ireland, held by the since the time of St. Patrick, positions him as the senior bishop in the Irish Catholic hierarchy, responsible for coordinating national pastoral efforts and representing the Church in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues. In October 2014, shortly after assuming the role, he was elected President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, enhancing his influence over policy on liturgy, education, and social issues across Ireland. Martin's episcopal motto, Cantate Domino Canticum Novum ("Sing a new song to the Lord"), reflects his emphasis on renewal, hope, and evangelization amid declining church attendance and secular challenges in Ireland. He has initiated pastoral plans focused on synodality, vocations, and family support, including contributions to the Synod on Synodality in 2023 and launching the Jubilee Year of Hope in December 2024 with a message calling for personal conversion and communal solidarity. As Primate, he has chaired the Bishops' Council for Communications, promoting digital evangelization initiatives like the #LivingLent campaign to engage the faithful via social media.

Apostolic Administrator of Dromore

On 15 April 2019, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore, succeeding Bishop Philip Boyce OCD, who had served in the role since March 2018 following the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey amid criticism over his handling of clerical sexual abuse cases, including presiding at the funeral Mass of a convicted abuser in 2002. The Diocese of Dromore, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, encompasses approximately 40 parishes and around 50,000 Catholics, and has remained without a residential bishop under Martin's administration as of October 2025. In this capacity, Martin has overseen pastoral governance, , and responses to historical safeguarding failures. Notably, in September 2021, the under his administration announced a redress scheme offering to victims of clerical , with Martin issuing an unreserved apology, describing the abuses as "abhorrent" and committing to transparency in handling claims. The scheme aimed to address over 40 reported cases linked to diocesan , prioritizing victim support without admitting liability. Martin's tenure has included efforts to foster diocesan renewal amid declining vocations and attendance, such as launching a pastoral council newsletter in September 2025 to engage and on local initiatives. No successor bishop has been appointed, reflecting broader Vatican strategies for consolidating smaller Irish dioceses amid demographic challenges.

Public positions and pastoral teachings

On abortion and protection of life

Archbishop Eamon Martin has consistently articulated a position defending the sanctity of human life from conception, viewing as the termination of an innocent human life. In a January 7, 2018, statement, he declared that " ends the human life of an unborn girl or boy," urging Catholics to persuade others to oppose repealing Ireland's Eighth Amendment, which protected the of the unborn. This stance aligns with Catholic doctrine emphasizing the innate dignity of every human person, a principle Martin has framed as applicable beyond religious boundaries to all of society. Ahead of the May 25, 2018, on the Eighth Amendment, Martin issued a pastoral letter titled "Love Them Both," calling for protection of both the mother and child, arguing that represents an irreversible tragedy and that repealing the amendment would enable a liberal permitting abortions up to birth in certain cases. He encouraged voters of all faiths to recognize the pro-life position as a rooted in the equal of lives involved. Following the 's passage, which removed constitutional protections by a 66.4% majority, Martin expressed deep sadness, describing it as obliterating the for unborn children and asserting that the pro-life cause had become "more important than ever." Post-referendum, Martin has advocated for increased support for vulnerable pregnant women, calling in July 2019 for practical assistance amid rising s, noting over a year after the vote that needed better frameworks to uphold the respect due to every child. He has criticized expansions of access, such as the government's 2022 imposition of services in during a cost-of-living and health crisis, rejecting it as prioritizing over urgent needs. In December 2023, he highlighted government expenditure of €50 million on s since while lamenting the absence of equivalent investment in alternatives like maternal support. Martin has opposed legislative measures like safe access zones around abortion facilities, arguing in December 2022 and 2023 that such "buffer zones" would silence advocacy for the unborn and hinder compassionate outreach to women under pressures, without addressing root vulnerabilities. In 2021, as part of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, he condemned plans for "extreme" regimes in , emphasizing the need to protect life amid broader societal shifts. His positions underscore a commitment to holistic life protection, extending to critiques of while prioritizing empirical aid over permissive policies.

On marriage, sexuality, and family values

Archbishop Eamon Martin has consistently upheld the Catholic Church's doctrine that marriage is a sacramental union exclusively between one man and one woman, ordered toward the mutual good of spouses and the procreation and education of children. In a May 2015 message ahead of Ireland's referendum on constitutional recognition of same-sex marriage, he described the proposed redefinition as non-trivial, emphasizing the "distinctiveness of the union between a man and a woman" as foundational to family and society. He urged voters to affirm this traditional understanding without fear, while acknowledging the desires of same-sex partners for committed relationships but distinguishing them from marriage proper. Following the referendum's passage on May 23, 2015, which amended the to permit , Martin expressed a sense of "bereavement" among Catholics, viewing the outcome as a shift away from the Church's anthropological vision of complementarity between sexes. He warned of potential risks to religious freedom, including legal challenges against churches refusing to conduct same-sex ceremonies, and has maintained opposition to such unions, stating in 2018 that the Church would not alter its stance ahead of Francis's visit to . In pastoral communications, Martin has distanced the Irish bishops from inflammatory —such as Cardinal Raymond Burke's prediction of national curses—while reinforcing doctrinal firmness, appealing instead for respectful discourse. On , Martin portrays the as the "domestic Church" and "school of humanity," where intergenerational wisdom, moral formation, and love are transmitted, centered on the stable, faithful bond of husband, wife, and children. Addressing the 2018 World Meeting of Families, he described promoting this model as counter-cultural amid societal fragmentation, yet essential "Good News" for human flourishing. In 2024, he called for governmental recommitment to priorities, including appointing a dedicated minister to counter declining birth rates and support structures like , framing the as society's bedrock against . Regarding sexuality, Martin advocates integrating education within a Catholic moral framework that views as ordered to marital union and outside it, critiquing secular approaches that detach it from relational and procreative ends. He has supported reviewing relationships and sexuality programs in Catholic schools to ensure fidelity to Church while defending schools' rights to incorporate religious against state mandates perceived as ideologically driven. Pastorally, he acknowledges the Church's challenges in communicating with those experiencing same-sex attraction, urging sensitivity and accompaniment without compromising doctrine, as evidenced by his 2021 comments on treating individuals with respect amid broader cultural debates. This stance reflects a balance of doctrinal fidelity and mercy, rooted in the Church's emphasis on human dignity irrespective of inclinations.

Response to clerical sexual abuse and church scandals

Archbishop Eamon Martin has publicly acknowledged the profound damage caused by clerical sexual abuse scandals in the Irish Catholic Church, describing them as an "open wound that has never been able to heal" and expressing deep personal shame over the abuse inflicted on children by priests and religious personnel. In a 2022 statement following public apologies to survivors of historical institutional abuse, he emphasized the Church's failure to reflect Christ's compassion, stating, "As a Church leader, I am truly sorry that such abuse occurred in Catholic institutions." Martin has participated in victim outreach efforts, including attending the 2022 launch of a by a clerical survivor in , where he engaged directly with accounts of institutional failures. As Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore since 2018, he oversaw the establishment of a redress scheme that by October 2025 had resulted in £1.2 million in compensation payments to five victims alleging by a at a school, alongside issuing formal apologies for the abuses perpetrated there. In 2017, responding to the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report, which detailed widespread emotional, physical, and in Church-linked institutions, he reiterated apologies and highlighted victims' experiences of "anxiety, isolation and pain." At the 2019 Vatican summit on child protection, Martin conveyed that survivor testimonies had "brought us to our knees," underscoring the need for atonement and inner healing in the aftermath of scandals. He has advocated for eliminating secrecy in abuse cases, asserting in 2019 that using confidentiality to conceal problems rather than protect victims "must go out the window." Martin has also cautioned against allowing abuse issues to become a "political football," rejecting attributions of scandals solely to gay clergy while emphasizing accountability for all perpetrators regardless of orientation. In August 2025, he noted the scandals' wide-ranging impacts, including eroded priestly fraternity, diminished Church credibility, and fractured trust between clergy and laity. Despite these responses, some survivors have criticized Martin's engagements; in 2016, victims reported feeling "belittled" during a meeting with him, perceiving that he portrayed the Church as the primary victim of ongoing scrutiny. Martin has addressed the broader crisis's effect on faith, stating in 2018 that scandals have led many to distrust Church teachings and called for Pope Francis to meet Irish victims directly during his visit. He has supported national safeguarding initiatives, delivering opening remarks at Ireland's first National Safeguarding Conference in 2015, where he described clerical abuse against minors as having a "toxic effect on faith and hope in God." In 2022, he highlighted a "crying need for atonement" to foster hope amid ongoing revelations.

On Irish unity and political reconciliation

Eamon Martin has voiced personal support for Irish unity, describing himself as a nationalist and affirming that a aligns with his aspirations as an Irish person. In August 2025, he stated directly, "Yes, yeah. I mean, like, I'm very clearly a nationalist," while expressing optimism that reunification could occur within his lifetime if discussions advance. He has called for immediate conversations on the topic, criticizing the Irish government for not elevating Irish unity "as an issue for conversation" and urging reflection on a shared vision for the island. Martin maintains that the path to unity need not result in violence, drawing on his experiences during in , where over 3,600 lives were lost between 1969 and 1998. He warned that "violence can easily be hijacked and used for purposes," stressing the importance of proactive dialogue to prevent escalation amid rising tensions, including increased sectarian incidents. In this context, he envisions churches, including the , facilitating inclusive discussions on identity and governance, questioning simplistic divides such as Catholics voting for unity and Protestants against it, and noting an emerging "middle ground" in . Regarding political reconciliation, Martin has emphasized truth recovery as foundational to lasting , arguing in a April 2023 address that failure to address ' legacy "will only continue to undermine the foundations on which our is built." He has advocated for a fresh, victim-centered approach prioritizing honest critique of past , bigotry, and violence—evidenced by nearly 1,000 annual hate crimes in —over amnesty measures like the UK's 2023 Legacy and Reconciliation Bill, which he and Anglican Archbishop jointly criticized for favoring perpetrators and lacking integrity. Reconciliation, in his view, demands patience, trust-building through courageous truth-telling, and adherence to frameworks like the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, rather than rushed legislation that risks violating standards. In October 2025, he prayed for "harmony and in Ireland," acknowledging the "painful legacy of conflict and the unfinished work of " as ongoing imperatives.

Stance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Eamon Martin initially supported public health measures to curb the spread of , joining other Irish bishops in advising the suspension of public Masses, Confirmations, and non-essential pastoral gatherings on March 12, 2020, while emphasizing care for the vulnerable and as alternatives. He promoted prayer as a complementary response, launching a "Family Crusade" on September 24, 2020, urging Irish families to recite the daily at home for divine protection amid the . As restrictions intensified, Martin expressed concerns over government policies targeting religious practice. On April 18, 2021, he criticized draft legislation that would criminalize attendance at indoor gatherings exceeding specified limits, including certain church services, calling the measures provocative and arguing they undermined essential pastoral ministry. In correspondence with Ireland's health minister on April 20, 2021, he advocated deeming priests' work essential rather than subject to penal sanctions, highlighting the disparity in treatment compared to other societal functions. He also noted the pandemic's severe financial toll on parishes, with many facing catastrophic revenue losses from suspended activities by June 9, 2020. Martin endorsed vaccination efforts, with the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference—under his influence as Primate—issuing statements through its Council for Healthcare encouraging support for programs to aid societal recovery. Throughout, he commended frontline workers and volunteers responding to the crisis, including visits to community support initiatives, while framing the pandemic as a test of resilience and .

Views on international conflicts and peace efforts

Eamon Martin has consistently condemned as a failure of and , advocating for , , and diplomatic efforts to achieve . In homilies and messages, he emphasizes that requires sowing and courageous , urging the redirection of global expenditures—such as the US$2.5 trillion spent on armaments in 2023—toward addressing hunger, , and human needs. Regarding the , Martin issued an urgent call for prayer and sacrifices for peace on 26 February 2022, shortly after the onset of hostilities, describing the conflict as driven by and a distressing reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted. He joined church leaders in a 16 March 2022 statement expressing fears of a worsening and has since encouraged ongoing Lenten fasting, family prayers at Christmas 2022 for affected Ukrainian and Russian families, and redoubled efforts during 2024 for global peace, including an immediate . On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Martin has focused on the Gaza war following the 7 October 2023 attacks, organizing a dedicated Day of and Reflection for Gaza on 24 August 2025, during which he condemned genocidal acts sanctioned by the Israeli , the unconscionable loss of tens of thousands of lives (including many children), and Hamas's in hostage-taking. In his 1 January 2025 New Year message, he characterized Israel's response as merciless and disproportionate, resulting in over 45,000 deaths (17,000 children), near-total destruction, displacement of 2 million people, and famine risks, while deeming the conflict emblematic of international failure to protect civilians despite rulings. He has called for , hostage release, , and a just respecting both Israeli security and Palestinian rights under , noting awareness that such critiques risk accusations of , and urged investigations into potential war crimes from relentless targeting. Martin extends similar prayers for in other regions, including , the of Congo, , , and South , framing them within a broader "long walk to " through reconciliation over hatred.

Other contemporary issues and critiques of modern culture

Eamon Martin has critiqued the process of secularisation , noting a dramatic shift in the context for Church engagement in public life, where religious practice has declined amid growing of earthly affairs. He argues that risks impoverishment if is excluded from public discourse, while distinguishing healthy —which respects Church-State separation—from aggressive forms that marginalise religious voices, insisting the Church seeks no but constructive dialogue. In this environment, Martin describes the as increasingly counter-cultural, urging it to evangelise amid scandals that should not silence critiques of societal trends like or . Martin has voiced strong opposition to and , warning that such legislation undermines public confidence in for the terminally ill and risks evolving into a perceived "duty to die," as observed in jurisdictions like and the where initial safeguards have eroded. In October 2024, he urged voters in and the to contact parliamentarians to reject bills, emphasising that the State must prioritise holistic support over facilitating death, and highlighting empirical data from countries with legalised practices showing expansions beyond original intent, such as to non-terminal cases. On education, Martin has lamented the erosion of religious formation in schools, asserting that Catholic institutions cannot passively allow faith to be privatised or sidelined, as this diminishes their role in amid secular pressures. He defends the integration of Catholic in relationships and sexuality education, calling for reviews to address perceived imbalances in topics like contraception while preserving parental rights and school autonomy, and notes that decades of nuns' and priests' contributions to Irish education—serving hundreds of thousands—are often overlooked in favour of institutional failures. Regarding digital culture, Martin highlights risks of fostering , isolation, and exploitation among youth, including data harvesting, , and , which exacerbate despite connectivity. He advocates ethical deployment of AI and algorithms, cautioning against unchecked that amplifies biases or dehumanises interactions, and welcomes papal initiatives against online toxicity while promoting faith-based digital evangelisation to counter these trends. In 2019, he referenced young people's vulnerability to scams and harmful content, urging balanced use that avoids the "dangerous phenomenon" of excessive eroding real-world relationships.

References

  1. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/bishops/archbishop-eamon-martin/
  2. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmartinea.html
  3. https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Archbishop-Eamon-Martin-Biography.pdf
  4. https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/archbishop-eamon-martin/
  5. https://thecatholicherald.com/article/archbishop-of-armagh-speaks-out-on-irish-unity-and-the-state-marginalising-the-church-on-social-matters
  6. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21079648
  7. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2023/04/21/archbishop-eamon-martin-i-was-very-torn-when-martin-mcguinness-died/
  8. https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/archbishop-eamon-martin-talks-growing-up-in-the-troubles-his-music-tastes-and-the-marriage-referendum-17439887
  9. https://www.dromorediocese.org/archbishop/
  10. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/04/17/media-information-episcopal-ordination-mons-eamon-martin-coadjutor-archbishop-armagh/
  11. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/21786
  12. https://www.kennedysummerschool.ie/speakers-2019/eamon-martin/
  13. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2011/11/25/11930/
  14. https://www.irishchurches.org/news-blog/2014/09/archbishop-eamon-martin-becomes-primate-of-all-ireland
  15. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21073064
  16. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/after-abuse-scandal-pope-appoints-new-head-of-irish-church-idUSDEE90H0CS/
  17. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-22211437
  18. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/01/18/statement-monsignor-eamon-martin-appointment-coadjutor-archbishop-armagh/
  19. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-22238437
  20. https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/ordination-monsignor-martin/
  21. https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0421/383637-armagh-archbishop/
  22. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/12/10/statement-cardinal-brady-publication-nbsccci-report-archdiocese-armagh/
  23. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2023/02/07/synodality-and-hierarchy-in-communion-contribution-by-archbishop-eamon-martin-at-the-european-assembly-of-the-synod/
  24. https://www.newrymiddlekilleavy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pastoral-Message-from-Archbishop-Eamon-Martin-to-launch-the-Jubilee-Year-of-Hope-2025-Armagh.pdf
  25. https://www.catholicireland.net/livinglent-initiative-launched-by-archbishop-eamon-martin/
  26. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2018/03/26/pope-francis-accepts-the-resignation-of-bishop-john-mcareavey-and-appoints-bishop-philip-boyce-ocd-as-apostolic-administrator-of-dromore/
  27. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-47962054
  28. https://www.catholicireland.net/archbishop-eamon-martin-appointed-administrator-dromore/
  29. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/03/30/two-west-of-ireland-catholic-dioceses-united-under-one-bishop-as-church-continues-to-downsize/
  30. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/northern-ireland-diocese-announces-redress-scheme-for-abuse-surv.html
  31. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249161/apologizing-unreservedly-to-sex-abuse-victims-n-ireland-diocese-launches-compensation-fund
  32. https://theway.ie/read-all-about-it-archbishop-eamon-martin-launches-new-dromore-newsletter/
  33. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2024/02/02/bishop-alan-mcguckian-humbled-and-privileged-to-become-bishop-of-down-and-connor/
  34. https://www.thejournal.ie/abortion-eamon-martin-3785338-Jan2018/
  35. https://councilforlife.ie/love-them-both-a-pastoral-message-from-archbishop-eamon-martin-as-the-25-may-referendum-approaches/
  36. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2018/05/19/love-them-both-a-pastoral-message-from-archbishop-eamon-martin-as-the-25-mayreferendum-approaches/
  37. https://www.rte.ie/news/2018/0527/966293-diarmuid-martin/
  38. https://theway.ie/the-pro-life-cause-in-ireland-is-now-more-important-than-ever-archbishop-eamon-martin/
  39. https://zenit.org/2019/07/09/statement-of-archbishop-eamon-martin-on-sanctity-and-right-to-life-of-unborn-child/
  40. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/46049
  41. https://gript.ie/archbishop-e50-million-spent-on-abortion-but-no-investment-in-alternative-options/
  42. https://www.cbcew.org.uk/archbishop-eamon-martin-buffer-zones-will-further-silence-the-voice-of-the-innocent-unborn/
  43. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2023/12/13/archbishop-eamon-martin-comments-on-safe-access-zones-bill-ahead-of-its-second-stage-debate-in-the-seanad/
  44. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/catholic-bishops-condemn-plan-to-impose-extreme-abortion-services-on-n-ireland
  45. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/10/15/archbishop-eamon-martin-urges-voters-to-ask-politicians-to-reject-assisted-suicide/
  46. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/changing-definition-of-marriage-not-trivial-says-eamon-martin-1.2198856
  47. https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/care-covenant-marriage-message-marriage-referendum-archbishop-eamon-martin/
  48. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2015/05/02/message-marriage-referendum-archbishop-eamon-martin-2/
  49. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/catholic-church-bereavement-after-same-sex-marriage-vote-1.2234500
  50. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/02/ireland-archbishop-fears-lawsuits-for-churches-against-gay-marriage
  51. https://gcn.ie/archbishop-same-sex-marriage-opposition-pope-visit/
  52. https://www.catholicsun.org/2015/06/03/irish-archbishop-distances-himself-from-u-s-cardinals-same-sex-remarks/
  53. https://www.radiomaria.ie/address-by-archbishop-eamon-martin-communicating-the-family-towards-the-world-meeting-of-families-2018-in-dublin-ireland/
  54. https://www.catholicireland.net/communicating-family-can-counter-cultural-says-archbishop-eamon-martin/
  55. https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/archbishop-calls-for-return-to-family-values-pvrn6z9ph
  56. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2018/05/03/archbishop-eamon-martin-address-catholic-schools-supporting-families-towards-a-better-education-of-children/
  57. https://acireland.ie/irish-primate-calls-for-review-of-catholic-sex-education/
  58. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/church-defends-role-of-religious-ethos-in-sex-education/36872134.html
  59. https://www.newstalk.com/news/catholic-church-needs-to-be-sensitive-to-gay-people-archbishop-eamon-martin-1174178
  60. https://www.newwaysministry.org/2018/04/20/irelands-top-archbishop-says-church-struggles-find-language-relate-lgbt-people/
  61. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/clerical-abuse-in-ireland-an-open-wound-that-has-never-been-able-to-heal-admits-archbishop-eamon-martin/42227596.html
  62. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2022/03/11/archbishop-eamon-martin-comments-on-todays-public-apology-to-survivors-of-historical-institutional-abuse/
  63. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-61630822
  64. https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/10/15/diocese-of-dromore-to-pay-12m-to-five-who-alleged-abuse-by-priest-at-school/
  65. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-northern-ireland-58737373
  66. https://theway.ie/statement-by-archbishop-eamon-martin-on-the-publication-of-the-report-of-the-historical-institutional-abuse-inquiry/
  67. https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2019/0223/1032339-abuse-summit/
  68. https://www.cathstan.org/secrecy-must-go-out-the-window-irish-archbishop-says
  69. https://www.catholicregister.org/archive/item/29016-irish-archbishop-warns-against-sex-abuse-becoming-political-football
  70. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/clerical-abuse-damaged-credibility-and-trust-says-archbishop/
  71. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-37486488
  72. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-45214964
  73. https://www.rte.ie/news/pope-francis-in-ireland/2018/0822/986693-world-meeting-of-families/
  74. https://safeguarding.ie/images/Pdfs/National_Conference_2015/Opening-address-by-Archbishop-Eamon-Martin-at-First-National-Safeguarding-Conference-Athlone.pdf
  75. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2022/11/13/catholic-primate-speaks-of-crying-need-for-atonement-over-child-abuse/
  76. https://extra.ie/2025/08/31/news/eamon-martin-united-ireland
  77. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/journey-towards-a-united-ireland-need-not-inevitably-lead-to-violence-says-catholic-leader/a1430074348.html
  78. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2023/04/01/truth-recovery-and-reconciliation-in-northern-ireland-a-faith-perspective/
  79. https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/01/archbishop-calls-for-fresh-approach-to-deal-with-northern-irelands-legacy-issues/
  80. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2022/11/22/archbishops-eamon-martin-and-john-mcdowell-joint-financial-times-opinion-article-on-the-legacy-of-the-troubles/
  81. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2025/10/12/archbishop-martin-i-pray-for-harmony-and-peace-in-ireland-the-painful-legacy-of-conflict-and-the-unfinished-work-of-peace/
  82. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2020/03/12/care-for-one-another-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-further-advice-of-the-irish-bishops-in-response-to-the-covid-19-coronavirus/
  83. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2020/09/24/archbishop-eamon-martin-calls-for-family-rosary-crusade-against-covid-19/
  84. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/archbishop-of-armagh-rosary-a-shield-of-protection-against-pand.html
  85. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/covid-19-catholic-archbishop-criticises-provocative-law-on-services-1.4540664
  86. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247331/all-ireland-primate-to-health-minister-priests-pastoral-work-should-be-deemed-essential-not-criminalized
  87. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-31004360.html
  88. https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/bishops-encourage-support-of-vaccine-programmes-against-covid-19/
  89. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2021/01/01/archbishop-eamon-martin-thanks-frontline-workers-for-their-amazing-works-of-mercy-during-2020/
  90. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/12/31/archbishop-eamon-martins-2025-new-year-message-forgive-us-our-trespasses-disarm-our-hearts/
  91. https://www.dromorediocese.org/2022/03/21/war-represents-the-failure-of-politics-and-dialogue-archbishop-eamon/
  92. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2022/02/26/archbishop-eamon-martin-calls-for-prayer-for-peace-in-ukraine/
  93. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-60766130
  94. https://www.derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/archbishop-eamon-martin-prays-for-families-in-ukraine-and-russia-affected-by-war-3965981
  95. https://theway.ie/archbishop-eamon-martin-encourages-prayers-for-peace-during-holy-week-and-easter/
  96. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2025/08/19/archbishop-eamon-martin-pray-for-gaza-for-24-hours-this-sunday-24-august/
  97. https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1231/1488665-archbishop-martin-gaza/
  98. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2023/12/31/archbishop-eamon-martins-message-for-world-day-of-peace-1-january-2024/
  99. https://www.acnireland.org/journal/2024/12/13/support-peace-in-the-holy-land-archbishop-eamon-martin
  100. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2017/05/09/archbishop-eamon-martin-says-good-done-by-church-being-forgotten/
  101. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-20449716.html
  102. https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0508/873571-eamon-martin-speech/
  103. https://www.derryjournal.com/news/archbishop-martin-says-catholic-church-now-appears-counter-cultural-increasingly-secular-world-1124185
  104. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/51195
  105. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-uk-and-ireland/2024/10/archbishop-urges-voters-to-ask-politicians-to-reject-assisted-suicide-in-uk-and-ireland
  106. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50861
  107. https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/assisted-dying-must-be-strongly-opposed-all-ireland-primate-insists-as-moves-to-change-law-in-dublin-and-westminster-continue-LYN7Q4MGIJELBAGFNA5YUJ3BGM/
  108. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/church-cannot-stand-by-and-let-religion-be-removed-from-schools-1.3270397
  109. https://theway.ie/decades-of-service-by-nuns-and-priests-is-almost-obliterated-archbishop-eamon-martin/
  110. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/social-media/article/archbishop-eamon-martin-social-media-selfie-generation-young-rz2krxhdc
  111. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/37190
  112. https://www.derryjournal.com/news/people/eamon-martin-says-ai-digital-media-and-machine-algorithms-must-be-employed-ethically-4492111
  113. https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2019/01/25/archbishop-eamon-martin-welcomes-pope-francis-message-on-cyberbullying/
  114. https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/faithmatters/2019/09/26/news/eamon-martin-being-a-believer-in-the-digital-world-1718180/
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