Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004
104 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature and content of meetings he had during his recent visit to Rome to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See; the matters discussed with Pope John Paul II and the Secretary of State during the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30090/04]
View answerI visited Rome on 13 November to participate in a programme of events to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See. I was honoured to be received by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. I also met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. In both meetings, a number of issues of mutual interest were raised, including the situation in the Middle East following the death of Yasser Arafat, whose funeral I attended in Cairo before travelling to Rome. The question of a possible second papal visit to Ireland was also raised. I assured the Pope that the Government and people of Ireland would warmly welcome such a visit, although I recognise that a decision will not be taken for some time.
In my meeting with Cardinal Sodano, we also discussed the agreement reached during Ireland's EU Presidency on the European constitution. A widely welcomed provision of the constitution is the commitment that the Union shall maintain open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches and philosophical and non-confessional organisations. Cardinal Sodano welcomed the intention of the Government to invite all churches and faith communities to join with us in exploring similar arrangements for dialogue in Ireland.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I look forward to continuing the close diplomatic co-operation between Ireland and the Holy See, based on our shared commitment to the central role of the United Nations in conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
