Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I join the Taoiseach in congratulating Pope Benedict XVI and wish him every success in what is one of the most onerous and awesomely responsible positions in the world. The new Pope obviously has an unparalleled opportunity to effect greater unity and understanding between peoples and to encourage everyone of faith, and none, to work for a more just and caring world. The legacy his predecessor, Pope John Paul II left, and his identification of the great obstacles to the progress of humanity towards having life, food, peace and freedom are still huge challenges in which the new Pope can give his own form of leadership.

As the Taoiseach pointed out, he is a man with a brilliant mind and a long and active involvement in theology. He is also a deeply spiritual man. I pray, as do Catholics all over the world, that this deep sense of spirituality will help him to be the pastor the church desperately needs to deal with the serious challenges it faces in the years ahead. I hope he will be able to give guidance to the people of God, as it were, and above all lead and treat them with compassion and understanding. I share the Taoiseach's view that he might be able to carry into effect Pope John Paul II's intention to visit Ireland. Invitations for papal visits have probably flooded the Vatican already. Perhaps Pope Benedict XVI may choose to come to Ireland. I hope he does. I wish him well in his challenging role as the new pastor of the Roman Catholic Church. I pray that he will have the wisdom and compassion to face those challenges as he attempts to build an inclusive church during his remit.

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