Scandals cast their shadow on historic day
POPE Francis flew into Ireland yesterday amid a growing storm of protests around the world over clerical child sex abuse and decades of Vatican cover ups.
The popular pontiff ’s historic two-day visit – the first by a Pope since John Paul II in 1979 – is expected to attract 750,000 Catholics to a series of events.
But there’s no getting away from the fact the celebrations are being overshadowed by new revelations about sex assaults perpetrated by priests on innocent children around the world.
Yesterday Taoiseach Leo Varadkar delivered an unprecedented speech at Dublin Castle publicly challenging the Holy Father to use his influence on behalf of survivors.
The castle has witnessed huge social changes with same sex marriage and the repeal of the Eighth Amendment and yesterday’s events marked another watershed moment.
In an uncompromising address, Mr Varadkar rebuked the Church for failing victims of abuse as he called for justice on their behalf.
His words were not disrespectful but they left Pope Francis in no doubt the Catholic Church is no longer at the centre of Irish society.
SHAME
The pontiff, for his part, acknowledged the scandal and spoke of his pain and shame.
But his most significant gesture came hours later when he met in private with victims and apologised for what had happened in mother and baby homes.
Abuse survivors say they now feel “hopeful” of more movement from the Church after their meeting with Francis.
Elsewhere, the 81-year-old spread joy and hope as he visited homeless and disadvantaged at the Capuchin Day Centre.
He had words of wisdom – and some tonguein-cheek advice – for newly-married and betrothed couples at the Pro Cathedral.
And he waved to an enthusiastic crowd as he drove through the streets of Dublin in his Popemobile.
Ireland of the welcomes has lived up to its reputation affording the Pontiff a Cead Mile Failte.
Even the most bitter Church critic couldn’t fail to be moved in some way by what is unfolding this weekend.