Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has said that confirmation of the Papal visit to Ireland in August is a moment to celebrate for all members of the Catholic faith and for the country.
Welcoming the announcement today, Bishop Leahy said: “This is a day of great celebration for the Catholic faithful. It is almost 40 years since we had a Papal visit here and this is only the second papal visit in our history. Some 3.7million people on this island are of the Catholic faith so to have the global leader of that faith coming here is a huge moment for our nation. There are people all over Ireland today excitedly making plans to be in either Croke Park or the Phoenix Park and it is going to be a wonderful moment in all our lives.
“Pope Francis is coming here because of the World Meeting of Family celebrations and, in its own right, hosting these celebrations here this year is a great privilege for our country and an opportunity for us to restate the importance of family in Irish culture.
But from Ireland’s perspective and, indeed, the Church in Ireland’s perspective, the Papal visit to our shores right now is in its own right hugely important and very timely. We have had many crises over the years and our Church is in need of a renewal and the Pope’s visit will be that and much more. Pope Francis’ papacy has been very much about healing, reconciliation and love – attributes he will bring here and leave us all the better for as we go forward renewed as a Church following his visit.” Bishop Leahy concluded.
More local news here.
