The Primary Curriculum Framework for Primary and Special Schools (DE, 2023), published by the Department of Education, has resulted in changes to the treatment of Religious Education (RE) in the primary curriculum in the Republic of Ireland. RE is renamed as the Religious/Ethical/Multibelief, and Values Education – The Patron's Programme and the time allocated to teaching RE is reduced. This raises questions around how these changes will impact RE in Catholic primary schools, where RE is central to the school’s ethos and identity. This study investigates the perspectives of principals in Catholic primary schools regarding the importance, practices, and future of RE within the context of these curriculum developments. Drawing on interviews with ten principals, it explores their views on the importance of RE in their schools, their experiences with current RE practices, and their perceptions of how the Primary Curriculum Framework for Primary and Special Schools (DE, 2023), may impact these practices. By gathering principals’ insights, this research endeavours to provide an understanding of the current and future role of RE in Catholic primary education. Principals acknowledge RE's importance in fostering holistic education and ethos but admit that they face challenges such as a lack of oversight, outdated policies, and limited support. The study identifies significant gaps in continuous professional development opportunities for teachers and principals, challenges in communication between Patrons and schools, and the impact of increased diversity in classrooms. The research highlights the need for enhanced support systems, including targeted professional development, clear accountability structures, and improved channels of communication between Patrons and schools. By addressing these gaps, RE can be repositioned as a key component of Catholic education, contributing to the holistic development of pupils and sustaining the ethos of a Catholic primary school. The study contributes to the discourse on RE in Ireland, offering practical considerations for enhancing its role and effectiveness in Catholic primary schools.