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Pope determined to steer world away from war, says Irish PM
Taoiseach Micheál Martin revealed Pope Leo XIV's strong commitment to ending global conflicts after a private meeting at the Vatican on Friday. The discussion covered wars in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, as well as efforts to sustain peace in Northern Ireland.
Meeting details and global conflicts
Martin and his wife, Mary, were received in the San Damaso Courtyard before a 45-minute audience with the Pope in the Papal Library. The Irish leader described the pontiff as deeply concerned about escalating violence worldwide, particularly in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
"I get the sense that the Pope was really very anxious to try and get the world to move in a different direction-one away from increasing conflict, which is having terrible effects on people," Martin told reporters afterward.
While the Gaza flotilla issue was not addressed directly, broader discussions included the West Bank conflict and tensions involving Iran.
Clerical abuse and redress in Ireland
The meeting also focused on Ireland's history of clerical abuse and ongoing efforts to provide redress for victims. Martin urged the Pope to ensure religious orders engage proactively in addressing these issues.
"Very clearly, he's of the disposition that the Church has to have ownership of this."
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach
Martin highlighted the government's commission of inquiry into abuse in day and boarding schools, noting that while one religious order had cooperated, many others had not. He emphasized that trauma resolution requires sustained effort beyond formal inquiries or acknowledgments of guilt.
Peacebuilding and Northern Ireland
The Pope expressed interest in Northern Ireland's peace process, particularly how to sustain and nurture reconciliation after conflict. Martin shared Ireland's experience, stressing that achieving peace through agreements is only the first step-long-term reconciliation is far more challenging.
"He was interested in the Irish experience and how one sustains peace," Martin said. "It's one thing to achieve peace in terms of an agreement, but the much more difficult task is actually nurturing that peace along, building reconciliation."
Ireland offers support for Vatican conflict resolution efforts
During a separate meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Martin offered Ireland's expertise in peacebuilding to support the Vatican's conflict resolution initiatives. Parolin welcomed the proposal, aligning it with the Pope's priority of ending violence and upholding human dignity.
"Ireland is ready to support through our experience and officials who have been involved in our peace process," Martin said.
Funding announced for Irish College archives
Later on Friday, Martin visited the Pontifical Irish College in Rome to meet with its community and review its archives. He announced government funding to digitize and preserve the collection, enhancing accessibility and public outreach.
The visit coincides with broader efforts to conserve the college's historical records.
Diplomatic engagements in Europe
Martin's trip to Rome follows meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. On Friday, he is scheduled to hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The last papal visit to Ireland occurred in 2018 under Pope Francis, during a period described by then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as a time of strained relations between Ireland and the Catholic Church.
