Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 February 2012

11:00 am

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Yes. When Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, there was a tremendous response from the people and it was a time of joy and hope. In 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI came to the neighbouring island, despite advance criticism and certain elements of media hostility, he was very well received and there was a tremendous positive reaction in Britain. I spoke to somebody in the House of Commons yesterday or the day before that who recalled the effect of that visit, not just on the Catholic community but on others of Christian faith as well.

There are two types of visit and it is important not to confuse them. There is a visitation at the behest of bishops, who would invite the Pope for a pastoral visit, but if the Pope was to attend on an official State visit, an invitation must be extended by the Government. That is my specific suggestion. I do not want a discordant note in this discussion as four groups have indicated a willingness to support this, and I hope there will be agreement. We do not need a big debate and we could welcome an agreement. At least the Seanad would have made its statement in that regard.

Relations between the Vatican and Ireland are not what they have been since 1929 so there is an opportunity to rebuild the close ties we had with the Vatican in 1929.

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