Northern Ireland’s people in pontiff’s thoughts and prayers

POPE Francis spoke warmly of his affection for the people of Northern Ireland, saying they are in his thoughts and prayers.

He referred to the region twice, in Dublin on Saturday and at Knock, Co Mayo, yesterday.

Many Catholics in Northern Ireland were left disappointed when it was confirmed the pontiff’s visit to Ireland would not include a trip across the border.

Yesterday in Knock, Pope Francis made clear his affection for Northern Ireland’s people.

“My pilgrimage to Knock also allows me to address a warm greeting to the beloved people of Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Although my journey for the World Meeting of Families does not include a visit to the north, I assure you of my affection and closeness in prayer.

“I ask Our Lady to sustain all the members of the Irish family to persevere, as brothers and sisters, in the work of reconciliation.

“With gratitude for the advance of ecumenism and the significant growth of friendship and co-operation between the Christian communities, I pray that all of Christ’s followers will support the continuing efforts to advance the peace process and to build a harmonious and just society for today’s children.”

It followed comments from the pontiff in Dublin on Saturday, when he said he hoped every remaining obstacle to the peace process will be overcome.

He addressed an audience at Dublin Castle which included political figures from Northern Ireland, as well as Secretary of State Karen Bradley, and Good Friday Agreement peace deal architect George Mitchell.

Francis said the Irish Government, alongside leaders in Northern Ireland and Britain, had created a “dynamic” context for the peaceful settlement through the Agreement of a conflict which had caused “untold pain” on both sides. He added: “We can give thanks for the two decades of peace that followed this historic agreement, while expressing firm hope that the peace process will overcome every remaining obstacle and help give birth to a future of harmony, reconciliation and mutual trust.”

After Saturday’s event in Dublin, NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley said: “It was good to hear him saying what he said and confronting it so openly.”

Thousands of people from Northern Ireland travelled to Dublin and Knock to see Pope Francis.

Political representation included SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy, Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler and Presbyterian Moderator Dr Charles McMullen.

In 1979, during the first Papal visit to Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles, Pope John Paul II urged those engaged in violence “to turn away from the path of violence and to return to the ways of peace”.