Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he extended an invitation to Pope Leo to visit Ireland, and told the Pontiff, ‘We would really appreciate a visit.’
The Taoiseach met the Pope at the Vatican on Friday, where discussions included historical abuse linked to religious institutions in Ireland and ongoing efforts to secure contributions towards compensation schemes for survivors.
The Taoiseach said he realises that Pope Leo has a ‘very busy schedule’, given the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in Ukraine, but he understands that Pope Leo is interested in the peace process in Northern Ireland and how peace can be sustained and nurtured.
Micheál Martin has said he also urged the Vatican to encourage greater engagement from religious orders in relation to redress for survivors of historical abuse in Ireland during talks with Pope Leo XIV.
Speaking afterward, Mr. Martin said the Pope recognized the importance of supporting survivors and acknowledged the long-lasting impact trauma can have on those affected.
The Government has faced ongoing challenges in securing financial contributions from some religious orders towards redress schemes connected to historical abuse and mother-and-baby homes.
Several religious organisations have agreed to participate in the State’s redress programme relating to mother-and-baby homes, while others have yet to commit.
Separately, a commission of investigation established last year is examining allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders and other bodies.
A scoping inquiry previously identified thousands of allegations relating to schools across the State over several decades.
State agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Education, have been examining possible legal avenues relating to contributions from religious organisations towards future redress measures.
Mr Martin said he told the Pope that the Government wanted religious orders to engage proactively with ongoing redress efforts, particularly in light of the current commission of inquiry into abuse allegations linked to schools.
He also said discussions touched on the broader issue of trauma experienced by survivors, describing it as something requiring long-term recognition and support rather than a once-off response.
Following his Vatican meetings, Mr Martin held talks in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
According to the Taoiseach, discussions focused on European competitiveness, energy costs, the conflict in Ukraine, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza ahead of Ireland’s upcoming EU Council presidency.
