Prestigious new charity role for former journalist from Omagh

A FORMER journalist and broadcaster from Omagh has been appointed Director of Public Affairs for the Irish office of the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need.

The charity, Aid to the Church in Need International (ACN International) – which was founded in the aftermath of the devastation of World War II – now supports some 5,700 communities in close to 140 countries reaching some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the world, including in the war-torn Gaza Strip and in Ukraine.

The Irish office supports this international work through the generosity of members of the Irish public.

Strathroy native Michael Kelly, a former editor of The Irish Catholic newspaper, has worked in journalism and broadcasting for over 20 years. Viewers and listeners to RTÉ will know him as the voice of Pope Francis, as the English language translator and commentator for the Pontiff’s traditional Christmas and Easter blessings.

In 2022, thanks to the generosity of benefactors, ACN International funded activities to the tune of more than €148 million.

Mr Kelly said he is looking forward to taking up the role and embracing the challenge of supporting what he described as “the suffering Church” in troubled parts of the world.

“Most people don’t realise that Christians are the most persecuted religious community in the world, and are under threat in many parts of the world including the historic cradle of Christianity in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East.

“Through the phenomenal generosity of Irish people, ACN Ireland is able to demonstrate concrete solidarity with these communities and show them that they are not alone,” Mr Kelly said.