Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014
66. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the Taoiseach's visit to Rome, where he spoke with the Pontiff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20848/14]
View answerThe Taoiseach represented the Government at the canonisation of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II in Rome on Sunday 27 April. After the ceremony, he had the opportunity to speak with Pope Francis. During the exchange, the Taoiseach conveyed to Pope Francis that were he to accept an invitation to visit Ireland from the Catholic bishops, such a visit would have the full support of the Government of Ireland. The Government would hope that were Pope Francis to visit Ireland, he would also take the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach also discussed the shared hope that the Pope would visit Ireland with Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, at the Pontifical Irish College.
