Chai Brady
President Michael D. Higgins has expressed the hope that Pope Francis will travel North of the border during an expected visit to Ireland next summer.
In a 15-minute meeting with Mr Higgins in Rome the Pope said the prospect of a visit to the North was a possibility.
Mr Higgins told the Pontiff that circumstances had changed since the last papal visit in 1979, when a visit may have sparked tensions during the Troubles.
The president said that the Pope was very much looking forward to visiting Ireland, adding that he is “an indispensable voice of humanity and clarity”.
In the meeting, which was held in the Vatican, Brexit and its effect on the island of Ireland and the EU were discussed.
Finding peace
The president likened the challenges facing Europe to the difficult process of finding peace in Northern Ireland
He said: “And as with Northern Ireland, it is important that we do not evade difficulties, that we face them in a spirit of truth and honesty, while keeping our eyes firmly set on the ideal and the greater human values guiding our actions.”
Climate change, immigration and global poverty were also discussed, with the president gifting Pope Francis a Climate Bell.
The art piece signifies the community efforts that need to be made to tackle climate change, and was designed by Irish artist Vivienne Roche.
No secret
It is no secret that the Pope’s visit could potentially coincide with a proposed referendum on new abortion legislation.
This was hinted at in a statement made by the Vatican after the presidential visit, which read: “The parties then focused on several themes of mutual interest, such as the protection of the rights of humanity and its dignity in every stage and condition of life”.
The Pope is expected to visit the capital next August for the World Meeting of Families.
