IRELAND
Irish Independent
Adrian Rutherford
Published 28/07/2014
One of Ireland’s best known priests has revealed he is fighting cancer.
Fr Brian D’Arcy said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.
The 69-year-old, who is also a prominent columnist and broadcaster, said he is overcoming the illness and is feeling “fine”.
“I was diagnosed earlier this year, but I don’t really like saying too much about it,” Fr D’Arcy told the Irish Independent.
“It’s prostate cancer, which any man can get at any stage.
“I haven’t said much about it because it’s putting yourself in the limelight, but thankfully I’m overcoming it.”
Some of the issues the Enniskillen-based priest discussed during the wide-ranging interview were:
* He disputes claims by Pope Francis that one in 50 priests are paedophiles, believing the true figure is actually closer to one in 12.
* The Pope would be wasting his time coming to Ireland.
* The priesthood must review its position on male celibacy if it is to survive for future generations.
Fr D’Arcy entered the priesthood when he was 17 and is rector of St Gabriel’s Retreat in the Graan, near Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
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