Taoiseach Micheal Martin has asked Pope Leo XIV to ensure that “every effort” is made to persuade religious orders in Ireland to engage with redress schemes for historical abuse. The request came during a 45-minute private audience at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the first meeting between the two leaders.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Martin said the Pope was “very clear and frank about the need for the church to take ownership” of clerical abuse, acknowledging that trauma is “an enduring thing” that lasts a lifetime. The Taoiseach pointed out that while some orders have contributed to redress, many have not, and that assets have been sold which should be allocated to compensation.
The meeting also covered a possible papal visit to Ireland, with Mr Martin saying he would “really appreciate” it, though Pope Leo has a “very busy schedule”. On the Middle East, they discussed the need for a peace process and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, though the recent interception of the Gaza Sumund Flotilla was not specifically raised.
Mr Martin noted the Pope’s “genuine desire for an end to the wars” and compared the situation unfavourably to the political will that brought peace to Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach declined to comment on whether US President Donald Trump was discussed, saying the Pope is “speaking to the gospel” about peace and ending humanitarian trauma.
