Derry Bishop irked by ‘pampered’ Gaga’s stolen pooches story

Dr Donal McKeown referenced the animals, abducted in an armed robbery in Hollywood last week, during his Homily on Sunday.

The dogs were later found safe and handed in to police.

The Bishop mentioned the matter as he addressed the issue of ‘individualism and self-obsession and lack of solidarity that so dominate our wealthier societies.’

He added: “A good example of this is that, in a world of war and starvation, the fact that the theft of some singer’s dogs 10,000 miles away seemed to be worth reporting for days on end. Deep down, our insecure culture wants to distract us from facing real issues... This ‘globalisation of superficiality’ arises when we are swamped with information and are unable to digest it or make sense of it. So, we are seduced to seek refuge and distraction in the titillating.”

Dr McKeown said the real challenge for people was to live authentic lives “so that we can free ourselves from this prison of an escapist imagination”.

“When we allow ourselves to be concerned about a pampered singer’s dogs in California, it is we who have become muzzled and led by a leash,” he added.

Lady Gaga’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer, was shot by two men who abducted the dogs. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Lady Gaga had offered $500,000 (£359,000) for the safe return of her beloved pets, named Koji and Gustav.

The star - whose real name is Stefani Germanotta - is currently in Rome working on a new movie.