Irish PM meets Pope to discuss global conflicts
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has begun high-level discussions at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV expected to focus heavily on global conflicts, peacebuilding efforts and Ireland’s evolving relationship with the Catholic Church.
The taoiseach arrived at the Vatican on Friday morning alongside his wife, Mary Martin, where they were formally welcomed at the San Damaso Courtyard by the Prefect of the Papal Household, Petar Rajic, and members of the papal delegation.
The private audience with the Pope is expected to last around 35 minutes and comes at a time of growing international concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Martin said he hoped to exchange views with the pontiff on diplomacy, peace and international cooperation, noting that Pope Leo XIV had consistently prioritised peace during his papacy.
“We share many common values – a belief in the importance of a rules-based international order, and dialogue and diplomacy as the only route to lasting peace,” he said.
“I look forward to exchanging views with him on how we can work together to promote effective multilateralism as the best way to address our many challenges and bring an end to conflict.”
The Irish leader is also expected to brief the Pope on Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming Presidency of the European Union, scheduled to begin on 1 July.
Discussions are additionally expected to touch on reconciliation efforts in Ireland, particularly issues connected to the legacy of the Troubles.
Mr Martin acknowledged the historical role played by churches and religious leaders in supporting peace efforts on the island.
“The role of the church and clergy from all denominations was critical to bringing about peace on this island,” he said.
“I will discuss with the Pope the ongoing process of reconciliation, including the difficult but essential work on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.”
The visit also carries domestic significance, with the taoiseach indicating that the meeting would provide an opportunity to reflect on the complex relationship between Ireland and the Catholic Church, especially in relation to survivors of clerical abuse.
He said the discussion would include “the deep pain and trauma of the survivors of clerical abuse and their needs”.
As part of his Vatican engagements, Mr Martin is also due to hold bilateral talks with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin.
The taoiseach will later visit the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, where he is expected to announce government support for the preservation and digitisation of the institution’s historical archives as part of a wider conservation and public access initiative.
His trip to Rome follows meetings in Europe earlier this week, including talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. He is also scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later on Friday.
The visit comes years after former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar met with Pope Francis during the pontiff’s 2018 visit to Ireland, the first papal trip to the country in nearly four decades.
Source: BBC
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