Family can make world better place

OLIVE Foley’s talk at the World Meeting of Families was probably the most inspiring so far ahead of the Pope’s visit.

There has been an endless stream of material written and broadcast about the pontiff’s two-day trip to Dublin and Mayo.

Dominating the dialogue so far has been the Church’s response to the abuse scandals which have, in many respects, ripped it apart.

Campaigners have got their apology but want the Church to go further and delve into the roots of why, in the words of Archbishop of Dublin, the abuse of children here reached “immense” proportions.

But also at the heart of Francis’ visit is the importance of families in this frantic world.

How they have changed dramatically in this country since the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979. But it is not only the family in the traditional sense of the word, which can provide solace and help to us in our hours of need.

Olive Foley spoke of how, following the death of her Munster rugby coach husband Anthony in 2014, the sporting family wrapped its arms around her in her darkest days.

If this special event in our country this weekend teaches us anything, maybe it’s that whatever our religion, if indeed we have any at all, we are one human family.

If we treat each other with a little more love, respect and compassion, this world will be a better place.