Donegal priest is new Canon of Papal Basilica in Rome

Downings-born Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin has been appointed as a Canon of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

Saint Mary Major is one of the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.

Monsignor McLaughlin's new role will involve pastoral duties at the basilica and the oldest Church in the West dedicated to Our Lady.

Just last month, Pope Francis appointed Monsignor McLaughlin as the Undersecretary for the Dicastery for Clergy, Seminary Section.

He is now one of the senior officials in the congregation of clergy around the world. He is also the Vatican official responsible for seminaries and the formation of priests.

The Raphoe Diocese said: “We wish Monsignor McLaughlin every blessing in his duty at Mary Major's and pray that he may be a point of contact for many pilgrims who make their way to this basilica beloved of the Roman faithful.”

Monsignor McLaughlin was ordained a priest in June 2002.

He was awarded a licentiate in theology from the former John Paul II Institute in Rome. He held various offices in his diocese, including member of the Presbyteral Council and director of the Marriage Tribunal. Since 2017 he has served as an official of the Dicastery for the Clergy.

He has served as a curate in Fintown, Lettermacaward and St Eunan's Cathedral in Letterkennny.

A former classmate of Creeslough-based priest Fr John Joe Duffy, Monsignor McLaughlin met Pope Francis in the days after the 2022 explosion that killed ten people in the north Donegal village. It was through Monsignor McLaughlin that Pope Francis conveyed his heartfelt thoughts with the bereaved community.

Last year, Monsignor McLaughlin attended the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI.