Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is an interesting motion. I note that, for whatever reason, my name is not attached to it. Senator Hayden stated that Christianity is about power. I do not see it that way. Christianity is about salvation and involves encouraging and helping us to live our lives in a way that is in accordance with the teachings of Christ. As we go through life, we are constantly searching for the truth - we have an obligation in that regard - in respect of all issues and despite the fact that we might attract criticism or court unpopularity as a result. In politics, the challenge in searching for the truth is greater than in most other spheres. This is because of the electoral system and the fact that the propensity to try to be popular and politically correct can sometimes lead us in directions which, perhaps, we should not go.

The commentary, both in this House and internationally, since Pope Francis was elected as Bishop of Rome last year has been interesting. Throughout his life, the Pope has been on a journey. At 36, he was nominated to be the provincial of his order - the Jesuits - in Buenos Aires. That was a very young age at which to take up such a position. At the time he worked under Pedro Arrupe, the former Superior General of the Jesuits, who was based in Rome. I know the Pope still carries great devotion for the late Pedro Arrupe and that six months ago he spent some time praying at his grave. On many occasions I have repeated the following quote from Pedro Arrupe, "Let there be men and women who will bend their energies not to strengthen positions of privilege, but, to the best extent possible, reduce privilege in favour of the underprivileged". Thinking of that sort ultimately led to the development in South America of what became known as liberation theology.

It is not widely known that Pope Francis as archbishop of Buenos Aires and provincial of his order was strongly opposed to liberation theology. He always felt there was a need to work with and assist the poor but there should be no involvement in the politics which went with that. He steered a course in Argentina that was different from that steered in many other South American countries.

For those who take an interest, some of the encyclicals are worth looking at. His first encyclical, which is about the joy of the Gospel, is a particularly good read. Regardless of whether one is a believer, lukewarm or an unbeliever, one can benefit immensely from some of these encyclicals. Indeed, Pope Benedict's encyclical on love was widely read and endorsed by many people who were not Catholic or Christian.

The significant thing about Pope Francis is that he has been a witness to the teachings of the church in his life, actions and words. Last September, I had the opportunity on a visit to Rome to get an audience with the Pope. Prior to it, I spoke to somebody who told me stories that have not appeared in the press. Some weeks prior to my visit a woman arrived at the Vatican and went to some of the Swiss Guards with some members of her family. It was very obvious that the woman was very ill. Her face had suffered disfigurement because of a tumour. She asked whether she could meet the Pope. In the past, I would say that this would not have been an expectation she would have had but the guards told her to hold on, rang the apartments and got the Pope's private secretary. The secretary said "Hold on" and the woman and her family had a quiet private audience with the Pope in his apartments for some time. This was told to me by people who had obviously been speaking to him. Another story involved a young boy whose brother had been killed in an automobile accident. He and his mother were very distressed and he wrote a note to the Pope asking him to pray for his young brother who had been killed. The young boy who wrote the letter was only about nine or ten years of age. Apparently, it was delivered to the Pope. The young boy was at home one afternoon and received a telephone call to be told "this is Pope Francis". The young boy said that his mother asked him to write the letter and dictated it so the Pope asked to be put on to the boy's mother. To think that he had that common touch shows an element of concern for and empathy with people, which we all need in politics. It is great to see it in somebody at that level.

I would like to see the Pope visit Ireland. In many ways, I would prefer if it was a pastoral rather than an official visit. Most of our human rights have emanated from our Christian traditions over the centuries. These values serve us all. I certainly concur with the motion that Pope Francis would visit Ireland. I hope we would see that in our lifetime.