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POPE FRANCIS HAS told Ireland’s bishops that the way in which the Catholic Church confronts abuse “can offer an example and a warning to society as a whole”.
His remarks, in a meeting with the senior clerics at the Dominican Convent in Cabra, followed this afternoon’s Phoenix Park Mass, where the pope asked the congregation for forgiveness for abuse by the clergy and other Church members.
In those earlier remarks, he asked for forgiveness for the times that the Church did not show survivors of abuse “compassion and the seeking of justice and truth through concrete actions”.
Speaking to the bishops, he said that the Church needed to acknowledge and remedy with evangelical honesty and courage its past failures with regard to the protection of children and other vulnerable groups.
“In recent years, you as a body have resolutely moved forward, not only by undertaking paths of purification and reconciliation with victims of abuse, but also with the help of the National Board for Safeguarding of Children in the Church in Ireland, by establishing a stringent set of norms aimed at ensuring the safety of young persons.
“In these years, all of us have had our eyes opened to the gravity and extent of sexual abuse in various social settings.
“In Ireland, as elsewhere, the honesty and integrity with which the Church chooses to confront this painful chapter of her history can offer an example and a warning to society as a whole.”
The pope’s remarks were distributed to the press in advance of his meeting with the bishops this evening.
He addressed a range of other subjects at the convent meeting, where he also praised the bishops for “the concern you show the poor, the excluded and those in need of a helping hand”.
Around 130,000 attended the Phoenix Park for this afternoon’s Mass. In Dublin city centre, a demonstration in support of abuse survivors was held at the same time.
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Wow I don’t even think sinn fein will miss this one.
@john s: He’s very popular, so they’ll miss the votes.
@Chin Feeyin: You mean he was very popular. I’m not so sure now
@Chin Feeyin: not one political party will knock on his door.
@john s: I’d say some far-right parties will contact him, they’re all mad for the MMA.
@john s: There’s always The Irish Freedom Party, I’m sure they’ll welcome him.
Dunce.
@Vonvonic: Now that the brains of SF has left, what next?
He seemed like a nice lad when he was fighting, but good god – he’s an absolute melt when it comes to politics.
So he decides not to renew his membership, as opposed to the party actually taking a stance and removing him. Typical stuff, hurling from the ditch at everyone else but happy to have head the balls like this as councillors as long as they drag in a few votes. About time they sorted out their party membership if they’re ever going to be taken seriously as a government contender. Wasn’t there another one convicted of kidnapping and waterboarding someone over the sale of a motorbike? Lovely folk.
@OnlyHereForTheComments: Suppose you could say the same about the blueshirts.. Tanaiste under garda investigation. The fact the acting Minister for Justice stated Varadkar has done nothing wrong is at the least a conflict of interest and do you seriously believe FFG/ Greens should be considered a serious government.
@OnlyHereForTheComments: yes he was thrown out of the party well in advance of being convicted. He had claimed he was bullied out and was backed by many of the FFFG media and reps at the time.
@Colin Kavanagh: “Thrown out of the party” and into a cushy job working for Christy Burke? Doesn’t seem like they threw him very far….
He seemed like the political equivalent to that mate who starts sharing content about 5G
Clown
It’s a pity he’s no longer a member. He was a perfect example of how low they will stoop to have someone elected.
Looks like the canary off of the carbon monoxide ad
@Aaron Forde: don’t go spoiling that ad.
How is he controversial, he’s a good family man who does a lot in his community? Shameful headline.
@Seosamh: “How is he controversial”?! Have you ever listened to him?!
Next we will hear of bould Paddy will be at a Gemma Rally.
Another lad on the dole.
Conor will give him a job.
He has gone away, I know.
I wonder did his party send the heavies around to the house to have a word. They have a habit of doing that with vocal councillors.
@GrumpyAulFella: You mean like the FG councillor who knocked on the door of a 70 year old man in Limerick over a Facebook post?
Mother a jayziz, would ya look at that…
Suspendered all activity…how kinky of them!
even too much of bi got for the bi got party
His ideas are more suited to a right wing party like FG
Could at least have spelled his name correctly under the photo. Holloman. Lol
@Ronan J Walsh: Paddy The Hollowman Hooligan O Holohan
His a head de ball
Mad as cheese!
A rush of Rare Blood to The Head l Guess
Such a loss
have your say