In 2018, when Pope Francis visited Ireland, it was a time of strained relationships with the Catholic Church, as noted by former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. The visit marked the first papal visit to Ireland in almost four decades, a significant event that Varadkar was initially nervous about. This apprehension was fueled by recent political decisions in Ireland, such as the legalization of abortion and the introduction of marriage equality. Additionally, scandals of child abuse and institutional issues added to the challenges faced by the Catholic Church at that time.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Varadkar recounted Pope Francis’ approach as primarily pastoral rather than doctrinal. During the visit, Pope Francis also met with Varadkar’s partner, Matthew Barrett, in a historically significant meeting. Varadkar appreciated the positive statements made by the Pope regarding the LGBTQ+ community and his opposition to the criminalization of gay and lesbian individuals worldwide. The emphasis on respect for human dignity and rights, including those of the LGBTQ+ community, was a highlight of their meetings.
Reflecting on his interactions with Pope Francis, Varadkar acknowledged areas where they shared common ground, such as respecting individual dignity, addressing climate change, and advocating for migrants and refugees. While they did not agree on every issue, Varadkar praised the Pope for his commitment to certain causes, contrasting them with their differing positions on sanctity of life and abortion. The meeting between Varadkar and Pope Francis, and the discussions that followed, highlighted areas of mutual understanding and divergence between the two leaders.
In the wake of Pope Francis’ passing, Irish President Michael D Higgins described the pontiff as having “unfinished business” while expressing hope that his successor would continue the work begun during his tenure. President Higgins, alongside other world leaders and dignitaries, will attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Higgins commended the late leader for his efforts in addressing critical global issues such as climate change, poverty, and the welfare of migrants. Reflecting on Pope Francis’ 2018 visit to Ireland, Higgins praised the warmth of the visit and highlighted the Pope’s inclusive approach that extended beyond Catholicism to focus on shared humanity
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