Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I join the other Members of the House in supporting the motion. The Pope was a man who was respected worldwide not only because he professed the beliefs of the Catholic Church, which was his duty, but also because he was willing to listen to people of other religions, including other Christians, Muslims and Jews as well as those of no religion. This was based on his living out the two great commandments of Christianity: love of God and love of one's neighbour. Those two commandments that he professed in action as well as in word formed the basis of his greatness. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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